DUI Distributor Problem

[Wesdog]

I recently fixed a problem with a DUI HEI distributor from Performance Distributors that may be out there waiting to bite others. This problem was discovered when my 401 motor was torn down after 10K miles for Indy head and TRW piston installation.

Problem: The end of the aluminium housing next to the distributor gear was being worn down by the rotation of the steel spring washer against the housing. The distributor was checked and shimmed correctly when orignally installed in Nov 01. By the time this problem was discovered the shaft could be moved up and down almost 1/4". It wouldn't have been long before the distributor gear would have been history and/or the trigger wheel would been so mis-aligned with the sensor that is would not have ran. It was not caused by a lubrication problem - the now infamous after market cam gear oil journel casting/drilling error had been identified, corrected and the lubrication checked during the previous buildup.

FIX: Replaced the steel spring washer with a 'staked' steel washer/race? from another distributor to correct the problem and shim the gear back to where it was supposed to be. I also replaced the dist and cam drive gears and verified the lubrication again. I suggest others with this style distributor might just want to check for this problem. Photos available upon request.
Wes

[ February 18, 2003, 08:40 PM: Message edited by: Wesdog ]

[Rogue]

I'd like to see photos of that especially since I was aiming for a DUI for my 401 - thanks for the info - Starduster74@yahoo.com

[Paul]

I'd like some pictures, too, please: ecvwarhorse@hotmail.com

[Wesdog]

RogueStar and Paul, Ask and you shall receive, photos sent. I will try to get a clearer one of the fix later this week. Wes

[oddfire]

Have you contacted Performance Distributors with your findings? Their reply? I pulled mine tonite and all seems well. Its been in for almost 2.5 years now. I just found my original instructions. Says" CAUTION: be sure distributor does not "bottom" when you install it. Be espesially carefull if heads, block, intake manifold have been milled. The best way to do this is install the dizzy with NO gasket and check for up and down movement of the shaft while holding the housing down firmly against the intake manifold. If you have ANY up and down movement with NO gasket,add your gasket and you are ready to install hold down clamp and bolt. If you DO NOT have any up and down movement without a gasket,use dizzy shims, available from Moroso to accomodate this space. Always use the gasket in addition to shims. Bottoming a distributor can severly damage the oil pump, cam and dizzy gears."
I think this problem may have somethimg to do with our wonderfull timing chain covers. You wouldnt happen to be using an aftermarket cover {CROWN} would you? Their manufacturing tolerences leave a lot to be desired. I was talking with Billyrb and he was saying he was having a tough time just getting his to fit in the hole, Mine just dropped in. Anyway I hope you solved the issue and I too would like a look at the photos.Good luck...............phil

[Wesdog]

Phil,
Good questions! I am using a stock cover that is in good condition. As I mentioned, the distributor shimming was checked - in other words it met all of Performance Distributor's installation specifications.
Maybe the steel spring washer on mine was installed backwards, I don't know. I do know with the fix I now have it won't happen again. I don't like their design in this area.
I haven't spoken with Performance Distributors, every time I have thought about it something comes up and I forget.
I tried sending you the photos but your email address: philoneus@aol.com returned a error message.
Wes

[oddfire]

WES, Try oddfire@aol.com, I cant seem to change that old address. Thanks.........phil

[Terry B.]

I'd like the pics please. twb67@hotmail.com

Thanks,
Terry

[billyrb]

shoot me some pics at rhart@eberly.net

The problem I had wasn't that it wouldn't fit in the timing cover, but rather 2 other problems:
1. the hold down clip was improperly made, and I had to get a new one custom made (sent in drawings)
2. the dizzy wouldn't seat all the way down....this was my own error, as I was afraid to tap it down, thinking it should have just dropped in place....the tapping allowed the gears to slightly turn to seat up with the cam gears

[mdill]

Didn't someone else have the same problem a while back with the DUI ?
I think I remember the exact same problem coming up awhile back, I just
assumed the steel thrust washer on his was MIA, but it sounds like the
washer as supplied does not have the anti rotation tang ?

Mike D.