Another distributor gear bites the dust...

[oilheadron]

My '86 ate another distributor drive gear AND took out some auxiliary shaft gear teeth with it this time. I have a new real steel distributor gear but obviously need the auxiliary shaft p/n E4FZ-6A739-A (correct p/n?). The first time this ocurred I dropped the pan just enough to replace the oil pump (with a stock spec pump) even though the original didnt have any metal in it and the pan didn't seem to either from what I could see. The oil pickup in the pan was also clear inside and out. Where do the broken teeth normally go?? If they go straight to the pan I don't see how they could be picked up by running the engine. The aux shaft for the regular 2.3s appear the same on Ebay though even the Turbo dist gear is pitched in reverse. How do you replace the aux shaft? I'll probably pull the motor out this time to see what is causing this. My tach quit some time ago and I was revving it quite high when this happened, maybe it overran the limiter?

[MIKESVO]

Done a few over the years. I found that getting a matched, used set (distributor and aux shaft) is the best way to go. I did the first swap out on my 84 back in the day (1988) and I was still able to get a new distributor gear and a new aux shaft from Ford. Not anymore.

[oilheadron]

Thanks for getting back to me. How do you replace the aux shaft? I may roll the dice and hope for the best without pulling the motor.

[svono50]

If my memory serves me right...been a few years since I pulled one out. Pull the gear off the shaft and then unbolt the front plate and the shaft should come out. I don't remember anything else holding the shaft into the block. Someone will correct me if I am mistaken.

[oilheadron]

Thanks much. I'm tackling it first thing in the morning.

[MIKESVO]

Like Ted mentioned. There are 3 bolts holding the aux shaft cover on. There are 2 #3 phillips screws holding the shaft retainer in place. Once you remove the 2 screws, pull the shaft out. If the gear is chewed up, you don't have to be careful removing the shaft. Use cam lube on the replacement shaft, just like installing a cam shaft.

[oilheadron]

Thanks. Do you know where I could find a relatively inexpensive aux shaft?

[MIKESVO]

New ones are listed on ebay for $450. Used for $150. I sent you a PM.

[oilheadron]

Got it. I'll get back with you as soon as I get the aux shaft out.

[dew343]

If you cant find a good oem aux shaft Esslinger makes one with a replaceable gear ,And I believe Race engineering makes one as well both of them require a brass dist gear . They are not cheap . But as i said both have replaceable gears .

[oilheadron]

Thanks for the info. They're too pricey for me though.

[oilheadron]

Mike I sent you a PM.

[oilheadron]

Kendal Coker GAVE me an auxillary shaft and even pressed my steel distributor gear on for me. To the rescue yet again.

[svono50]

Kendal Coker GAVE me an auxillary shaft and even pressed my steel distributor gear on for me. To the rescue yet again.

Awesome update, Kendal is the MAN!!

[oilheadron]

He could charge admission just to look in the door to his warehouse/museum. Do you know how many SVOs he has??!!!