Distributor Cap and Rotor issues

1968_stang · Apr 14, 2009

I tried to do a search and couldn't come up with anything that seemed to help my situation. I went to the parts store to get a new cap and rotor awhile back, put everything together and seemed to be working fine. I took it off to see how it was doing and it looks like the rotor is hitting the cap. I have a 351w in a 68 coupe. The guy I bought it from said it was still the original 302 distributor, which is the cap and rotor I bought. Could the distributor be from a 351w? Is there a way to tell?

Also I bought some new Ford racing wires for it not realizing that the boots from the cap were wrong, I have a female cap, but the wires are for a male cap. I'd like to just keep the wires and get a different cap, but can't seem to find one. Any suggestions on this?

Thanks in advance...sorry if these are newbie questions.

mustangdave · Apr 14, 2009

The 302 and 351W distributors are not interchangeable(the 351W is about a half inch taller). You either have a 351W distributor or you have problems. Try getting a cap and rotor for a 351W. If you want the female cap, try a 69-72 model cap; personally, I would return the wires as I hate the female caps.

D.Hearne · Apr 14, 2009

Although these two have different distributors, the same cap & rotor fit both. What you're looking for is the early 80's post type duraspark cap. These fit the points distributor as well as a duraspark. The cap's in two pieces, the bottom is the adapter to mate the large EFI post type cap to a points style distributor. The best cap/rotor kit is made by BlueStreak and has brass terminals All three parts are sold in a single package: cap, rotor and adapter.

1968_stang · Apr 15, 2009

So if the 351w and 302 distributors are different what would happen if it was installed? Would it even work? Because it has been working. Or could I have the 351w dizzy and the guy I bought it from be mistaken?

Seems like just replacing the entire distributor at this point might be a good option

D.Hearne · Apr 15, 2009

1968_stang said:
So if the 351w and 302 distributors are different what would happen if it was installed? Would it even work? Because it has been working. Or could I have the 351w dizzy and the guy I bought it from be mistaken?

Seems like just replacing the entire distributor at this point might be a good option

The 351's housing is slightly different as is the bottom oil pump driveshaft. The 351's shaft is largerin diameter. The top portion above the block is the same. The same caps and rotors fit all the points distributors regardless of engine family for the V8's

1968_stang · Apr 15, 2009

D.Hearne where would I find the cap adapter from the small to large? What rotor is used? I'm interested in this but can't seem to find this setup

D.Hearne · Apr 15, 2009

1968_stang said:
D.Hearne where would I find the cap adapter from the small to large? What rotor is used? I'm interested in this but can't seem to find this setup

These were used on early to mid 80's V8's. 85 Mustang GT w/manual transmission is just one application. All three parts come in a kit, cap. rotor and cap adapter. I have this setup on both my 89 Ranger's V8 & the 331 in my 77 Comet.

NasaGT · Apr 16, 2009

1968_stang said:
D.Hearne where would I find the cap adapter from the small to large? What rotor is used? I'm interested in this but can't seem to find this setup

I used this cap/rotor on my 351w with FRPP spark plug wires:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=FMS-M-12106-A302&view=1&N=700+150+400070+4294925143+4294855357+

NasaGT · Apr 16, 2009

I forgot to mention - the Summit description of that cap is lame. If you go to the Ford Racing website it describes it in detail, which SBF distributors it can be used on, etc... I seem to recall its for 57' to 80' something SBF distributors.

bnickel · Apr 17, 2009

i would like to say this, first of all there's no possible way you have a 351w dizzy in a 302, it simply won't work...period. it also sounds like you have problem with the dizzy itself, probably a worn out upper bushing which would require a replacement dizzy or completely rebuilding the one you have. there is a guy who specializes in rebuilding and restoring ford distributors, which i think would be the better option. when you get a parts store dizzy there's no telling how it's setup as far as advance curve, weights springs and vacuum advance, etc. i've gone the parts store route before and would now perfer to either rebuild it myself or send it to someone who specializes in rebuilding/restoring the dizzy to original specs and/or setting it specifically for your car.

i would send it to this guy and have him rebuild it for your car, engine and driving style

Home

2+2GT · Sep 10, 2009

1968_stang said:
I have a 351w in a 68 coupe. The guy I bought it from said it was still the original 302 distributor, which is the cap and rotor I bought. Could the distributor be from a 351w? Is there a way to tell?

This is impossible, as D.Hearne has pointed out. The 302 distributor base is too short to reach the cam gear.

How about showing us a photo of your distributor? Or even just give us the numbers stamped on the side. Not the cast-in number, the the one stamped on the rim near the cap.

D.Hearne · Sep 10, 2009

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