I recently acquired a Dearborn 239 Y-block that I want to put a 57+ distributor in so that I get rid of that pesky Load-A-Matic distributor.

While comparing the two distributors, the distance from the base to the gear is the same as expected but as many of you probably know, the gear count is 13 wear-as the later are 14 tooth. And I can't change camshafts as the 13 tooth ones are a larger diameter cam bearing.

So as the title states, is there a trick to removing these gears? It looks like it just a roll pin that is peened over that would need to be drove out and the gear can then fall right off. I'll be installing a new TSP distributor if that changes anything.

Thank you

Tim

The gear should not fall right off.  It will require a press.



Lawrenceville, GA

You probably know this already, but you'll need to change the oil pump drive to hex as well. The 239 is it's own deal.

Yes I found as I took the motor apart theres that little intermediate shaft between the dist and oil pump. Very interesting design. I was already planning on swapping the oil pump as well because the 239 pump is also a slotted drive.

So I was able to grind the ends of the pin off but it would not drive out. I ended drilling it out to 1/8" the depth of the gear. Then I was able to use a punch and hammer to drive the gear off the shaft with a couple mid-power smacks. Came right off.

Thank you