Broke down on the side of the Road today

[Topcat]

That's fantastic news.  . So glad to hear it was that easy.

It was like trying to spot a flea on a St. Bernard.   

With a better light, spotted the broken spring.   

[Jay Bee]

PROBLEM FOUND!

      Congratulations and thanks for the update. I was following this from day one to learn something...and I did.

[Topcat]

Conclusion:

Upon dis assembly, it was discovered that the pins that hold the advance springs broke.

All Mopar distributors are being made in China these days. FWIW.

My distributor has less than 3,000 miles on it.

Don called me back today and said he is sending me a new one ASAP at no charge even though I was past warranty.

He just asked that I send the old one back. He wants to know why it failed.
When it did fail, I was horsing it from Stop sign to Stop sign.

Anyways, a big Kudos to Don standing behind his products.   

[BIGSHCLUNK]

I realize BIGS is waaaaay late to the party.... but when I got half way thru page 3, I stated thing dist ADVANCE.... Glad you found the issue. I know this stuff will drive you insane.

[Brads70]

Glad you found it! Kudos to FBO for replacing it!

[Topcat]

Final Analysis:

The distributor that failed was taken completely apart.

What was discovered was there was no lube on the moving points for the mechanical advance.
So what was happening is the movement of metal to metal began galling.
This made the springs to stretch way past their normal length.

And Bingo! Spring blasted apart and there went my timing.

As previously mentioned, Don sent me a new distributor at no charge.
That was taken apart and Lithium grease was applied to prevent it from happening again.

Don is aware of this and will be contacting his vendor why they aren't putting lube on the mechanical advance moving parts.

When I took out the damaged distributor, we took a picture where it was sitting.
We put the new one in and she fired right up the first try.

This was way too cool.

It was exactly at 22 degrees BDC right where it's supposed to be like before.
My buddy Dave helped me with his Snap On timing light.

Total is now at 34 degrees.

Running really good even though it's 100 degrees out.

[HP_Cuda]

Mike

Glad you figured it out. Kinda surprised it would start and even run with that much advance but heck let's see if we can get a total of 36+ degrees just like in the old days at NASCAR!!!

Heh,
B

[Topcat]

Mike

Glad you figured it out. Kinda surprised it would start and even run with that much advance but heck let's see if we can get a total of 36+ degrees just like in the old days at NASCAR!!!

Heh,
B

She ran great at 36 total advance on flat roads. But when I went up grades, it would ping, or I'd keep RPM's up to prevent it.
So I brought it down to 34. Should be better now.

[Cuda Cody]

So glad to hear that you are back up and running.   

[scf100]

Newbie here......

So after reading about the problem you had with a new distributor what would all you guys recommend if I am not staying stock and want good results on my stock 1972 340?

[RUNCHARGER]

I've had my best results with stock distributors. MSD has worked well for me too.

[Topcat]

Excellent products

https://www.customwiresets.com/home.php?cat=252

[303 Mopar]

Newbie here......

So after reading about the problem you had with a new distributor what would all you guys recommend if I am not staying stock and want good results on my stock 1972 340?

I like Firecore distributors and their 8.5mm wires. Mancini carries them.  www.firecore50.com 

[Topcat]

Can you believe it?

It happened again.    

I am so freaking mad right now.

I just got back from an epic fishing trip in Mexico/San Diego.

Took the car out and threw a few hammers on it and she died while driving.
Less than 20 miles on the new distributor.

Blueprint of how it was the last time when it stopped running. 

[RUNCHARGER]

Well: You know the first place to look and the solution if that is what it is again anyway.