I think I destroyed my distributor... suggestions?

[johnk63366]

Ok, so my dizzy was leaking oil from it's seal so after reading a bunch of threads on how to replace the distributor seal, and it seemed like a big headache, I decided to give it a whirl.

After countless banging with no avail to get that dang pin out I got frustrated. I had that dang thing so tight in my vice grip all banging away and first smashed some of the "teeth" in the gear at the bottom. With nothing to loose, I decided to drill that damn pin out. Mistake ...

I of course was off on my drilling and drilled crooked and came out half in the pin half on the shaft.... Now I have a whole through the shaft, and still can't get the pin out. I'm about ready to throw this thing across the room. So, I search on replacement parts. I can't find a replacement shaft at any online store I look. Vics, no, Spiderroadster.com.. No, Bruce's Parts Bin.. No, .. ebay, No...

Now, do I have to buy a new distributor?? I can't afford $300 + for a new one, I think that's crazily over priced for a distributor.

Anyone have a rebuilt one for sale??

My Fiat is a 1972 Spider, with the 1608cc.

Damn that Pin.. !!!

[rebar1111]

Don't know your year but, the pin on a 79TC is tapered and only comes out one way. Napa should be able to match it. The gear, well????

[majicwrench]

Shoot, there are lots of those dist around, I'll bet i've got one I could sell you cheap. Just don't try to put a seal in it......

Those pins are tough. You need a nice clean punch and a good way to hold dist shaft.

Keith

[So Cal Mark]

I doubt you'll ever get a virgin pin out with a hammer and punch

[vandor]

Points distributors are not very valuable, I have several too if you don't find one elsewhere. I can install the seal too, of course I'd want a few bob for my labor. Email me if interested.

[spider2081]

Mark do you know a trick for getting the pins out?
I messed one up also. Lucky it was a spare.
I watched the IAP video and was thinking I never saw a pin come out that easy.
If the pin is the original tapered pin that is pined over on the smaller end, I was thinking it's probably better to take it to a machine shop and see what they would charge.

[So Cal Mark]

we use a mill to grind the end of the pin, they're impossible to drill

[johnk63366]

Well, at least I'm not the only one that's had issues. I'm going to get back at it this weekend, but I know the shaft is shot because I drilled right through it. Looks like I'm going to have to take some of you up on one of the distributors and hey, I'll be happy to pay someone to rebuild it with new seal and everything just didn't want to pay the 300-500 for new distributor.

[johnk63366]

I doubt you'll ever get a virgin pin out with a hammer and punch

Yeah, that didn't work. I even tried a 48oz sledge hammer.

[fiat218]

I doubt you'll ever get a virgin pin out with a hammer and punch

Yeah, that didn't work. I even tried a 48oz sledge hammer.

hmm, that did wonders.huh

[rebar1111]

A hammer and drift removed the pin on two different distributors for me. I must have the touch. There is a used distributor on ebay for auction starting at $40 + shipping if I remember right.

I needed to disassemble my distributor to have a new cap mounting boss welded on. All turned out well.