The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Newbie here - 235 Distributor Drive Gear Pin

My engine is a 56 - 235, with distributor # 1112403. I have to replace the worn out distributor drive gear pin. Anybody know the size/diameter of the gear pin or who sells them?

Also, where is the correct factory postion for number 1 on the cap and where should the grease cup be pointing.

I have seen some pictures of engines on epay and number 1 on the cap is everywhere, and the same for the grease cup.

I know both will work in any position, but I would prefer to have it in the correct factory position.

Thanks in advance.

Tom

I don't understand how a gear pin could get worn out. The gear is a very snug fit and those pins with the swaged ends are a pain to remove. You can use a roll pin and you can size it by trying drill bits in there for size.

Number one should be pointing straight out the passengers side towards the fender. I believe the grease cup points directly rearward.

The information from truckernix is confirmed by this picture from the Chevrolet Truck Engineering Features Book. - at least for 1954.

You wouldn't think the pin would wear out. The gear had some play and I was hoping it was the pin.

It wasn't too difficult to remove. After filing the one end, I used a punch and after 4 or 5 hits it came out. You could see where the pin was worn.

The distributor, # 1112362, that I was using is from a 51-52. This is the one that uses the shorter cap and a different rotor. It is in good shape and the gear is nice and tight.

But, after searching the archives here, I found out that it was not a good idea to use because the advance curve is a little different. The main reason is because "it is not a good idea to use a 216 or early 235 dist in a 55-62 engine. The drive gear is made from a different materal to match the cam. Note: In late 54, chev changed from a forged steel cam to a cast cam and changed the dist gear to match. It will work but I have seen rapid gear wear when used that way due to the incorrect gear material."

Thanks to Stovebolter, Pre '68 Dave, for posting that info.

tuckernix, thanks for #1 info and the tip on sizing by using drill bits. Great idea.

tclederman, the pic makes is easy. Thanks for your help.