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327F distributor parts question

B

BamaCommander

New member
All,

I am still struggling with finding the correct
parts for my distributor. I have used two different local marine parts places
and we've ended up with a number of wrong stuff coming in.

This is what I have:

Engine: 1966 327F
Distributor: Stamped with "IBM 42" and has tach input
Electronic ignition: 1581-82 (I believe this is made by Pertronix)
Cap: Mallory crab-style p/n 9-29428 (box says replaces 18-5391). Just got it in.
Rotor: they have ordered 4 different rotors. Latest was Quicksilver p/n
391-7057T and we don't think that this is the right one.

Can anyone confirm that at least the cap is correct? Any ideas on the correct
rotor? I'm about ready to replace the whole distributor if I can't figure this
out soon.

Thanks in advance,

Ben
 
The od crab style caps were a PITA, and are expensive.
The Pertronix kits are Hall Effect!
Your 1966 distributor bushings and advancing system are no doubt worn.
I would be saying goodbye to the old technology, and would be replacing this with a VR (variable reluctor) style Ignition distributor by Mallory.
I believe that Mallory can supply one with the tach drive.

No need for HEI, or EST on this engine.
 
Last edited:
Ben,
My book shows IBM 4115 and IBM 4116. Could it be one of those? NAPA number for the rotor is AL139 for both.
 
Glad that you found parts that will get you up and running.

I was curious as to which Mallory would have the tach drive, so I looked it up. Just an FYI for you, if you were to purchase the Mallory;
According to Mallory's web site..... first line item, far RH colum, PDF page # 2, the Mallory YLM623AV has the mechanical tach drive.
YLM623AV.jpg

The YLM's are VR (variable reluctor) magnetic......, the YLU's are photo eye.
I prefer the VR magnetic triggering YLM, over the photo eye triggering.
Any of the AV's are for standard rotation engines.
BV's are for RH rotation engines.
(all SBC distributors rotate CW.... i.e., RH)

So it looks like the number designation 623 gets you the tach drive!

This should have an-out-of-the-box curve/limit suitable for your engine.
Again.... just an FYI.... I was curious myself! :)

.

 
Just a tip to anyone else with a 327F, these motors came with two different Prestolite distributors. Part way through the production run of these motors the distrubutor was changed a bit, but enough that the parts for one won't fit the other properly. I found this out the hard way when I purchased a Pertronix system for a 327F only to find it was the wrong one. The advance mechanism of the Prestolite is very simple but you need a set of long nose needlenose pliers to change out the springs. If you order anything for the Prestolite be sure you get the exact IBM # off the case.

best,

Paul
 
Paul, please be very careful if you are changing flyweight springs without the aid of a distributor machine.... or some great Know-How.
These little springs can have quite an effect on the advance curve.
2* at the advancing system is 4* at the crankshft.... meaning that 2* too early at the distributor is 4* too early at the crank.
 
Hi Rick,

Point VERY well taken, but the springs I replaced were stock parts for that specific distributor and application. I did not change spring type or calibration.

best,

Paul
 
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