New High Performance AMC
V8 for Rich's 84 CJ-7
page 6 - Problem:
Distributor Gear and Cam Gear Worn
A few years back we
covered a frame up restoration of Rich's CJ.
The old Jeep was stripped and completely redone.
See
84 CJ-7
Restoration
Engine and
Transmission Details
The AMC 360
includes a Comp Cams camshaft, Edelbrock
Performer AirGap RPM Manifold, Holley Street Avenger
Carburetor, and a converted GM HEI distributor.
Along with the
new engine the stock T-4 4 speed is going to be
replaced with a Chrysler 727 automatic which has
been completely rebuilt including a truck shift
pack and a custom torque converter.
See
Installing a Chrysler 727
in a CJ special article.
The shredded
camshaft distributor gear
Only after an
combined hour or two of initial startup the
engine refused to start. In
troubleshooting the distributor cap was removed
and it was noted that the rotor could be turned
by hand - first bad sign.
To step back a
bit AMC engines have had a record of eating
distributor/camshaft gears. Evidently
there have been different gear diameters and
varying hardness levels in gears. In
research about the internet it seems that many
of the imported HEI conversion distributors hold
an extremely high reputation of gear problems.
Rich had a similar problem with the engine that
was in this Jeep before the new one.
Back to this
Jeep's problem. The distributor was
removed and the gear on the distributor was worn
but the cam gear was toast.
It's heart
breaking when a new engine needs to endure this.
Small metal shavings running through the oil pan
and potentially entering the oiling system.
In addition to the possible contamination it
also means disassembling the front of the engine
to expose the cam gear for replacement. A
small plus here is that the AMC gear is
replaceable unlike a Chevy V8 where the gear is
a part of the cam.
A new cam gear
was ordered along with a new gear for the
distributor.
Ditch the
import go with something better...Davis Unified
Ignition aka DUI
Information
provided by Performance Distributors
Performance Distributors now offers
the D.U.I. (Davis Unified Ignition)
for AMC engines. The AMC D.U.I. is a
one-piece ignition system with the
coil in the distributor cap and the
module inside the distributor. The
D.U.I. Coil produces 50,000 volts
and allows spark plug gaps to be
opened up to .050" - .055". The
Performance Distributors Dyna-Module
has more electronic dwell time in it
to give the coil more saturation
time and produce a hotter spark. The
D.U.I. distributor eliminates the
ballast resistor that is used on the
stock AMC ignition system. This will
allow full alternator voltage
through the ignition system and will
provide a stronger
spark and more power.Each D.U.I.
Distributor is tuned on a
distributor machine based on the
specs of the engine. A super smooth
advance curve will eliminate engine
damaging detonation and give instant
throttle response. The unit is
polished and lubed as it is
assembled making it a true
blueprinted distributor.
The AMC D.U.I. is a real work of
craftsmanship and although it is
uniquely designed, replacement parts
are easy to find. High Energy
Ignition (H.E.I.) replacement parts
will fit right on the D.U.I. These
parts can be found at any local auto
parts store. |
The new DUI unit
was installed and the engine was re-tuned.
After several shake-down and tuning runs the
distributor was pulled and both gears were
inspected for wear. All is well so far.
More Coming
Project Home Page |
