Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor

Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/28/13 02:21 AM

Evidently we didn't do a proper job of burnishing a new bushing on a race only 440. We installed with a punch and burnished with an old shaft with a drill until it turned easily by hand with a screwdriver. We don't have an installation tool and didn't cut any grooves in the shaft at the time. We pulled the distributor to check the bushing after only 4 passes on the motor and the bushing was bonded to the shaft, spinning in the block.

Can someone give me some good advice as to what to do with this assembled motor to properly install a new MP bushing and prevent this happening again? Thanks in advance.

Posted By: TrWaters

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/28/13 02:32 AM

You may have clearanced the bushing for the shaft, but you didnt burnish it. Burnishing is done with a ball (or ball ended type punch)..driven through the bushing ...which not only corrects the I.D., but also tightens the bushing in the block. It is my understanding that the Pioneer bushing can be installed and is ready to run.

Posted By: J_BODY

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/28/13 02:40 AM

Great tool for that at the dealership I'm probably the only one that's used ours in the last five years. If you know someone there, maybe they can hook you up.

http://www.etoolcart.com/chryslerdistributorbushingdriverburnisherc-3053.aspx

Posted By: VernMotor

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/28/13 02:42 AM

They make a tool just for this.. maybe borrow one a a mopar dealer. it is a two part tool to take it out and put it in. I have one.. but that don't do you any good sorry

Posted By: BigBlockScamp

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/28/13 03:11 AM

I may be able to track down a burnishing tool; I wasn't sure if they could be used on an assembled engine or not.

I had also heard the same thing about the Pioneer made piece not having to be burnished in. Does anyone know if this is the case? Of course we already picked up a couple of MP pieces to work with...

Posted By: B G Racing

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/28/13 01:25 PM

We use an old gear and shaft,place a used bushing upside down under the gear.Start the new bushing in the block bore.Using a drift pin slowly drive the shaft with the inverted old bushing driving the new bushing into the bore.Go slow and stop a few times and spin the old shaft in the new bushing to fit the bore,use a light oil on the shaft.When your done the shaft should rotate freely and the new bushing should be seated with no damage.We have a shaft with much of the gear machined off as to not interfer with the cam gear since we do this installation quite often and the bushing replacement alway goes well.For removal in a block we use a 1/4 inch socket extension with a small socket that fits the bore and contacts the bushing driving it out.

Posted By: J_BODY

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/28/13 02:36 PM

...and the tool in the bin for removal of the bushing in car:

http://www.etoolcart.com/chryslerdistributorbushingremoverc-3052.aspx

Both of them work super nice! I know there's that "old dog, new tricks" anology BG, but I can't believe that you don't have these two items.

Posted By: B G Racing

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/28/13 06:20 PM

Quote:

...and the tool in the bin for removal of the bushing in car:

http://www.etoolcart.com/chryslerdistributorbushingremoverc-3052.aspx

Both of them work super nice! I know there's that "old dog, new tricks" anology BG, but I can't believe that you don't have these two items.

I have more tools than I can count,some better than Chryslers'tool bin.Matter of fact I developed some of those tools in their tool bin back in the 60s.
The method I suggested is for the everyday adverage guy and I wouldn't suggest it I haven't used it myself and still do.It'a a 100% way of doing it without damaging the bushing and fitting it the same time.You don't have to worry about breaking,mushrooming or having to cut or ream the bushing bore.I have a aluminium dowel for removal and another for installing that I turned down on a lathe.To be able to use something most have laying around and saving money on tool purchases that you seldom use is the typical inovative style racers are noted for and proud of.It isn't always about spending money it's about getting the job accomplished.Sharing knowledge,"racers helping racers".
You wouldn't believe some of the tools we build for special applications right here in the shop.At aprox.15,000 sgft we are hardley a "shadetree operation",just ask anyone that's been here.
Respectfully Bob

Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/28/13 07:25 PM

Quote:

I may be able to track down a burnishing tool; I wasn't sure if they could be used on an assembled engine or not.

I had also heard the same thing about the Pioneer made piece not having to be burnished in. Does anyone know if this is the case? Of course we already picked up a couple of MP pieces to work with...

Getting the new,old busing out of the motor with the motor in the car is almost impossible

I use a FE Ford pushrod with a ground down washer to remove the old busing when there out of the car, I put the block head down and drive the bushing out from the oil pump side by dropping the washer onto the bottom of the bushing and then use the pushrod cup agianst the washer to drive it out. I use the new Pioneer bushings and drive them in with a new or old oil pump drive gear

No need for further fitting or burnishing

IHTHs

Posted By: VernMotor

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/28/13 07:25 PM

There more than one way to skin a bear !lol

Posted By: B G Racing

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/28/13 07:44 PM

I thought it was"there is more than one way to skin a CAT"not a bear

Myself I would preferr to start the skinning with a "dead cat"

Posted By: BigBlockScamp

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/28/13 11:36 PM

Thanks for all the replies. Does anybody know where to buy the Pioneer bushing?

Thanks in advance.

Posted By: VernMotor

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/29/13 12:00 AM

But your a bear..beside that I like cats..I never do that ! LOL

Posted By: Stanton

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/29/13 01:49 AM

To remove the old bushing with the motor in the car ...

1) pull the oil pump
2) get a length of 1/4" threaded rod and 2 coupling nuts and a couple washers the same o.d. as the bushing.
3) make a THICK plate that will span the distributor hole. drill a hole in the middle slightly larger than the rod.
4) drop the rod down through the bushing and out the bottom. Install the washers and one coupling nut
5) pull the rod up till the washers contact the bushing.
6) slip the plate down over the rod and against the distributor hole lips
7) install the coupling nut and tighten it till it yanks the bushing out.

I reverse the procedure to install them - I like to "pull" them in rather than pound them.

Posted By: 52savoy

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/29/13 08:27 AM

Quote:

To remove the old bushing with the motor in the car ...

1) pull the oil pump
2) get a length of 1/4" threaded rod and 2 coupling nuts and a couple washers the same o.d. as the bushing.
3) make a THICK plate that will span the distributor hole. drill a hole in the middle slightly larger than the rod.
4) drop the rod down through the bushing and out the bottom. Install the washers and one coupling nut
5) pull the rod up till the washers contact the bushing.
6) slip the plate down over the rod and against the distributor hole lips
7) install the coupling nut and tighten it till it yanks the bushing out.

I reverse the procedure to install them - I like to "pull" them in rather than pound them.

X2...
I use the same 3/8" all-thread that I pull front (727)pumps out with

Did the whole used dist. drive thing but like you said.. No

Posted By: 52savoy

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/29/13 08:32 AM

Dura-Bond...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dura-Bond-AD-584...251203481740%26

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&vxp=mtr&item=251203481740

Posted By: J_BODY

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/29/13 02:54 PM

Totally respect your "home made tool" approach.... heck we've all torched and ground on tools to improve them for the moment. But if the OP has a chance to beg/borrow/rent that puller/installer from a Chrysler shop he'd find it just too easy to do. Removing the distributer on a small block Dakota, pull the bushing, drive the new one in and burnish it perfectly all while in the car with little to no effort..... somebody did their homework!

Posted By: StrokerDart

Re: Replacing distributor drive bushing on assembled motor - 01/29/13 04:33 PM

Just something to consider on this topic.... an old machinist friend of mine told me to always do the following to the new bushing before installing it, to ensure it is well oiled...

Plug the bottom with your thumb or palm, fill the bushing with oil, and apply pressure with your other thumb or palm until the oil weeps through the sides....

Not sure if this is standard practice or not but I've always done it and never had a bushing go bad on me yet.