Re: [FWDLK] Continuously breaking rotor

My 1955 Chrysler 300 distributor cap has only one aligning notch and doesn’t seem to really snap into its proper place on the distributor base. Additionally, I found that one of the spring clips holding the cap down did not engage its slot in the cap very well unless really carefully coaxed into proper position. This resulted in a spring popping loose, a tilted cap, a broken cap & rotor and a tow job. Check the fit of the cap to the distributor base and make sure the spring clips are doing their job. The distributor cap I had looked a little sloppy in the areas of the aligning nub and the two places where the clips engage it.

I also recall that there are two different distributor rotor heights and the cap must obviously match the rotor height. A quick measurement to assure compatibility of rotor, distributor and cap might be in order.

Rich Barber

1955 Chrysler 300

From: Forward Look Mopar Discussion List [mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of David Homstad
Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2006 10:51 PM
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [FWDLK] Continuously breaking rotor

Jim,

Possible causes:

Maybe the snap ring holding the cam/plate is missing, allowing the cam to rise and push up the rotor. The snap ring is under the fiber wick that is under the rotor, inside the ID of the shaft.
Incorrect distributor cap or rotor, causing interference.
Insufficient shim washers at the collar on the bottom of the shaft, allowing excess end play.
Weak center contact spring in the distributor cap allowing the rotor to rise.

Dave Homstad

56 Dodge D500

-----Original Message-----
From: Forward Look Mopar Discussion List [mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of '57 Super D-500
Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2006 2:30 PM
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [FWDLK] Continuously breaking rotor

My brothers ’57 Canadian Dodge (with 313cid) has a rotor that keeps breaking in the distributor.

We just can’t figure out what is happening. There is no free play on the axle, but it does lift a little upwards, when pulled.

Anybody any idea??

Much appreciated !!

Jim Hoekendijk

The Netherlands

’57 Dodge Lancer D-500 x2