Can anyone tell me how to remove the shaft from an Atwater Kent LA distributor so the driven gear can be replaced? The plug in the bottom of the housing appears to be staked around the edges and I understand that the castings were made from pot metal and are somewhat fragile.
Okay, was this a dumb question? Haven't seen any replies.
Unless it was well oiled and a greasy mess, itll probably disintegrate as you take it apart. Take a small (1/8" dremel ball burr) and delicately remove the staking and remove the plug (freeze plug type). The top plate with points will need to come off as I doubt theres room enough to remove the pin on the gear end. ws
I've had he top of the distributor apart already and the advance looks like it should come off easily enough. Overall the distributor is pretty solid, the casting seems to be in good condition. I'll Dremel out the staking as carefully as possible and remove the plug. Is the gear pressed or pinned onto the shaft?
Pressed. I did mine a long while back,and you have to use a gentle hand with the pot metal. Go slow and easy,and it will work.