Mark: Yes, incorrect assembly, but if I have it right, it's apparently because they are mistakenly using SBF shafts or distributor parts due to a shortage of original cores.  


Paul

Oldcarmark, you are correct all 5 distributors from O'Reilly's were wrong. Wrong shaft length and wrong gear placement.
O'Reilly's sent all of them back to Cardone marked incorrect. Cardone has a disclaimer pasted over the box flaps stating:
                                                                WARNING
" It is extremely important to match the replacement distributor to the original unit. Dimensions and gear description must be checked before installation. If the original shear pin or gear is worn or broken then the oil pump and or gear must be replaced. Using the wrong distributor,
worn drive gear , or defective oil pump drive will result in extensive engine damage and VOID THE WARRANTY."
In other words it is your responsibility, not Cardone's to make sure the distributor is correct. I found the distributor I need on E-Bay.
 Ernie Phillips

That's a concern because some People don't read the warning and if its not correct why is Cardone selling them? I asked the Tech at Cardone the same Question. As far as I am concerned they should just stop selling them until they figure out the Problem. They are all wrong from what I am reading Online. The bigger Question is where do  You get a replacement that is Correct because no One else seems to be supplying them? Contact Cardone at 888-280-8324 or Email tech@cardone.com. Maybe if enough People complain they might act on the Complaint.

  

Where did U find a good One on Ebay because most of the rebuilt Ones I found are from Cardone. There are a couple listed as Autoline D404 which are Y block 1959 Application and should work also. They come with a new Cap and Rotor. I contacted Autoline also and they have no more available due to no Cores. Running out of Suppliers who still supply these Distributors.



  

Oldcarmark,
I bought a '58 Ford original distributor from one of the E-Bay Y-Block parts sellers.
Advertised to be in good used condition. Hope it is as advertised. Will post condition
upon arrival.
Ernie Phillips

Just joined this site today and I know that this post is from last year but I'd like to add my 2 cents worth on this topic.

How about a Ford Y-Block Ready to Run Distributor that's MADE IN USA!!!  
Ford Y-Block 272-312 1955 thru 1960's Thunderbird and all Cars and TrucksIf your tired of the poor running condition, changing the points, rich idle, poor fuel economy of your Y-Block?
The MSD, Mallory and the Chinese Imports units are too obtrusive and don't fit properly in your Baby Bird?
Would you like to maintain a stock Ford Appearance with both Mechanical and Vacuum advance, stock plug wire configuration, multi-spark to 10,000 RPM, built in REV Limiter to protect your investment, start sensor technology to increase voltage when cranking for quick clean starts, 2 wire hook-up and eliminate the ballast resister?
We build them!
Using a Pertronix as Cast 302 distributor with Ignitor 3 module we use the lower portion of the Y-Block stock distributor shaft and machine a press fit sleeve to connect the 2 shafts, we then cross drill and pin the sleeve with it set to factory spec.  We've been doing this for several years and with well over 200 units firing Y-Blocks perfectly in at least 10 country's around the world and they have proven to be flawless.  The Ignitor 3 module is warranted for 30 months by Pertronix and we are so confident in our workmanship we warranty the distributor for 5 YEARS.  Each distributor is curved and phased to maximize the ability to burn today's fuel formulations, to any engine modifications and the drive line of the car that it will be installed in for perfect results right out of the box.  These distributors use a top and BOTTOM bearing to keep your shaft running perfectly true in the block, new cast Aluminum housing, rust protection coating on internal steel components, machined thrust surface and a brass contact high quality cap.

Quick Easy Starts, REV Limiter Protection, common Caps & Rotors (mid 80's 302 Ford), Backed by the best warranty in the industry, Built by experts with over 50 years experience!
Before you invest a penny in an imported ignition part with no Tech Support and no warranty or a so called "rebuilt" distributor that won't work with today's fuel formulations even if it was perfectly built and neither will be curved correctly for your application resulting in mediocre to poor results every time, just read over the details on our custom Y-Blocks I'm sure when it's time to upgrade your ignition you'll see there's nothing more reliable and better built.  Search Google "FBO Y block distributors"

Full size Image: http://4secondsflat.com/Y-blockIg3-1.jpg



Also listed on eBay Item # 222649424535, but if you call us direct and mention this site we'll knock off $25.  We'll also drop the core charge from $50 to $25.
We also buy Y-Block distributors gears... all we need is the lower shaft piece and we'll pay $25 plus the cost of Priority mail

Cut Here:

Very impressive. I just wonder if at some Point You will run into the same problem the other Suppliers have run into-no Cores. The different lower Shaft is what makes the Y block unique. Is there no other lower Shaft that can be used to build these because You are actually constructing a Shaft out of 2. anyway? There must be a lot of the original 55-56 Loadomatics out there that could be used thinking about it now.

  

That advertisement ought to be down in the classifieds, right? The Ebay price listing is $550...... whew!!!

Can you still buy new bushings for the Autolite style of OEM distributor (say 1959 model)? Re-bushing and setting the endplay has salvaged a lot of distributors over the years.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

I don't think Business Adverts are allowed on the Site. These Distributors are an interesting Option I guess. I have only seen the "Offshore" Aftermarket ones on Ebay. Pretty Pricey especially if all You want is a basic Distributor to Swap for the Loadomatic. 

  

Is this one of the offending units?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323231529274