23 Cents...

Nell is once again running strong.  Great, in fact!
The problem with the distributor?  The rolled pin that holds the distributor gear to the shaft had started to back out, and needed to be replaced.  Cost of replacement? 23₵, and less than an hour's work, including the drive time to the auto parts store!

To pull the distributor, I first put #1 cylinder on TDC.  I wanted to be absolutely sure where the rotor should be when I put the distributor BACK. With the distributor cap off, I pulled #1 spark plug, disconnected the hot start ignition wire from the coil, and bumped the engine with a remote starter until the rotor lined up with the #1 mark.

 Then I confirmed that #1 was at TDC with the timing marks (down there by the pointy thing)

 After disconnecting the electrical connections and removing the hold down bolt, the distributor slipped right out.  I could diagnose the problem right away by looking at the drive gear!

 The rolled pin was sticking out, and had actually disengaged completely on one side.  I could wobble the gear back and forth a little on the shaft.  No doubt about it!  This was the source of my timing problem.  The end of the pin was cracked, and it fell to pieces when I used a drift to tap it out:

 There are probably a few tiny bits of rolled pin in the engine oil pan or oil filter right now.  I'm hoping they stay there!  23 cents at NAPA got me a new pin (I spent more on gas getting there)!

I juiced the new pin up with red loctite, tapped it in position, then peened the ends between a pair of center punches using a vise and a heavy hammer!  This one isn't coming out on its own!  Nell fired right up once I replaced the distributor.  I let her warm up, then easily set the timing to 14° BTDC.   She idled well, and pulled very strong during my short test drive.  Nell is back, and she's having a blast!

What did I learn from this?  Well, I got disenchanted with the Mallory distributor before I had a chance to pull it and confirm what was going on.  I seemed to forget how good it has performed over the last 3000 miles.  In my disenchantment, I purchased a (rather expensive) 1957 Mercury tach drive distributor from eBay.  I had been debating getting one of these anyway, but I could have been more patient.

I must confess that I do this all the time.  With each new upset or disappointment, I forget what has worked for me in the past.  I forget how much God has blessed me.  My longing and obsession kicks in, and I try to work my way out of the pain or disappointment.  Patience is the last thing I want to experience!

Still, I find that God can redeem my mistakes.  The guy selling the distributor is extremely friendly.  He lives in New York and has a yard full of old Fords, with more than a few Y-blocks.  We talked for half an hour or so, and I told him about Nell and this blog.  He set the distributor up for me to make sure it worked properly, and even set me pictures of it running in one of his engines!  Now that's service!