Are all distributor gears the same?

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Properly chosen, your distributor gear and cam gear will differ in hardness. But since a flat-tappet cam is made to a different hardness than a roller cam, you have to do your homework and pick a compatible distributor gear.

What distributor gear should I use?

Getting the right material is the most important part of choosing a distributor gear. The gear should be slightly softer than the camshaft. This will ensure accurate ignition timing and a long engine life. If the gear is too soft, it will quickly wear out.

Do I need a different distributor gear for a roller cam?

When roller cams first appeared, they were generally machined out of a very hard 8620 or even 9310 alloy steel core. These cams require a soft, bronze alloy distributor gear. More recently, cam companies like Comp can press an iron gear on the end of the shaft to accept a stock iron distributor gear for street use.

What causes distributor gear to wear out?

Typically worn distributor gears are either caused by a lack of lubrication or a binding problem, in most Ford engines. Lack of lubrication can be caused by a number of issues. One is a high volume oil pump installed in a street engine -specifically with an oil pan that lacks the necessary capacity.

What is the best material for camshafts?

In general, steel is a good camshaft material. However, the type of steel has to be matched with the cam follower it runs against, as different grades of steel have different scuff characteristics.

How can I tell if my distributor is bad?

A bad distributor produces a unique squealing noise that can be easily distinguished from other engine noises. If you hear such a sound from the engine bay, check under the distributor cap. Generally, a distributor will produce a squealing noise when it’s caked with grease and other pollutants.

Are Comp Cams cast?

High Energy™ Die Cast Aluminum Roller Rocker Arms from COMP Cams® are an affordable option that feature a die cast, aluminum body with a needle bearing fulcrum and roller tip.

How long does a distributor last?

A typical distributor housing and gear drive lasts the lifetime of the vehicle. Its components such as the rotor, cap, and points don’t last that long. On average, most people with an older vehicle need to replace these components every 10k-20k miles.

Can a distributor go bad from sitting?

Since the distributor rotor and cap can go bad over time because they are located in a harsh environment, it is important to know the symptoms this part will give off before it completely fails. Signs you need your distributor rotor and cap replaced include: The Check Engine Light comes on. The car does not start at …

Is 1000 RPM idle bad?

The idle speed should feel consistent without skipping or slipping. In most of today’s cars, an idle speed of 600 to 1000 RPMs is average. If your car is idling rough, though, it won’t feel smooth. The RPMs will jump up and down, for example, or they’ll fall below 600 RPM (or whatever is typical for your vehicle).

What are distributor gears made of?

Composite distributor gears are manufactured from a super-strong polymer that both increases durability, and is the lightest in weight. Bronze distributor gears are made from extruded aluminum bronze with 5-percent nickel added.

Should you choose a steel or cast-iron distributor gear?

Explaining why selecting the proper distributor gear is ultimately an important choice, Knight said, “Once the gear on either a steel cam or a cast-iron cam is worn excessively, the cam itself must be scrapped. There is no repair for this problem, and the only option is to buy a new cam. This can be a painful and expensive mistake.”

Can I use a brass distributor gear?

Brass distributor gears can be used to avoid damaging the cam gear. Brass gears are softer and can wear out quicker than the cast gear, but will not cause damage to the cam gear. If using a brass gear, check it occasionally for wear. Improper gear selection will likely result in damaged distributor gear or camshaft distributor gear drive.