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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 | I'm replacing the distributor gear and pin, but can only find the split pin and not the solid type. Are the split pins strong enough to carry the gear load? I did a forum search, but was overwhelmed by the number that popped up and couldn't locate an answer readily.
Drew
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 | Can you find a tapered solid pin?
My local hardware store has dozens of different sizes/lengths of both types of pins. I imagine the roll pins would be strong enough. Hopefully someone will speak up... | | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 461 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 461 | I've never used the type of pin you are asking about- the solid pin was always available- but if you are referring to a 'roll pin', I don't see any problem with using that. Roll pins in distributor gears have been used by other manufacturers without any trouble, and they are easier to remove and replace if the need arises. There isn't much load on the distributor gear. There are installer tools to compress the pin for installation, but good pliers will suffice. After starting the pin, tap it lightly until it you get it where you want it, and it should work for you.
Harvester | | | | | Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 89 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 89 | I have replaced taper pins in distributor gears with roll pins and have never had a problem. I have rebuild old old distributors made bushings etc etc. And installed roll pins and they work like a charm. My 2 cents. Godd luck either way!
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| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 | Okay.Correct terminology..rolled pin. Thanks. That's what I'm going with.
Drew
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | DrewP,
I don't recall the pin being a taper pin..I thought it was merely a straight pin that was peened on each side to keep it in.
A roll pin (spring pin) needs an exact hole to fit into. A 3/16" pin needs a drilled 3/16" hole, a 1/8" pin needs a 1/8" drilled hole etc, etc.
A roll pin wouldn't fit properly in a tapered hole, if that's what the drive gear has (I don't think it does). It's a simple matter to measure the pin that was removed and replace it with the proper roll pin. The pin will be a tight hammer fit! If it isn't, it isn't right and needs to be drilled to a size that has a corresponding roll pin.
Stuart | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 | Stuart the reason I mentioned tapered pins as a replacement option was because Ive used them several times for varying projects where I removed straight pins and wanted a tighter fit.
Jeff | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 | Well,thanks guys.I went with the roll pin and it's a tight fit.I was shown that a 283 dist. uses a roll pin, so it surely should hold up in a 216!
Drew
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