73 Distributor Cable Replacement

[73orange]

During the tear down of my engine prior to removal, I discovered that the teeth on the distributor cable which drives the rpm gauge were severely worn. No problem, just order a new one and replace it. After receiveing the new cable however, it appears that I forgot to order the cable stretcher. There is absolutely no tolerance that would allow any amount of slack in the cable to adequately insert the stem in order to thread the collar. Maybe I'm not aware of a sequence, in which this needs to be installed. I've looked at it for some time and don't have a clue.

 

[George Black]

Are you referring to the Tach cable? For 69 to 74 it should be minimum of 23" in length. (The 1968 tach cable was 27 inches in length.)

 

[73orange]

Yes, I'm referring to the tach cable and it measures exactly 23". The angle at which the cable threads into the distributor body makes it very difficult to start it without the risk of stripping.

 

[George Black]

Have you considered using a "tach cable drive adaptor"? It eliminates excessively sharp bends at the distributor where the tach cable screws in. Cost about $40.00 All the major vendors carry the part. For example, Corvette Central has it as part no.272110. Ecklers has it as part no.A3503. Go to the vendors www.page and they should have a photo of the part.

Maybe that will provide enough extra '"stretch" and elim. the binding to remedy the problem. If not, we will go to Plan B.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Are you sure your distributor housing is correctly oriented with respect to the engine? There is only ONE position that will allow the tach cable to connect and still time the engine.

The vacuum advance canister should be positioned directly behind the passenger side ignition shielding support.

 

[Jack]

Are you sure your distributor housing is correctly oriented with respect to the engine?

Ditto.
JACK:gap

 

[Tom73]

Are you sure your distributor housing is correctly oriented with respect to the engine? There is only ONE position that will allow the tach cable to connect and still time the engine.

The vacuum advance canister should be positioned directly behind the passenger side ignition shielding support.

Agree!

tom...