1968-1973 Cadillac 472 distributor

[Scot Minesinger]

Probably the 500 cu in engine and other years this question applies to.  Distributor for 1968 Cadillac I'm working on has worn weights issue and car will cut out on low speed like 25 mph - anyway it is the distributor and need to buy another one to replace it and it sometimes backfires.

My question is where is best source for a new distributor - quality rebuild or new for 1968 thru 1973 Cadillac?

[TJ Hopland]

My first thought would be a call to MTS to see if they have a good used one to sell you.   Many of their cores likely come with points distributors and I doubt many people want them.

[35-709]

These are reportedly made in the USA --- look pretty nice.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CADILLAC-472-500-PRO-SERIES-Small-Cap-Black-HEI-Distributor-Coil-Spark-Plug-Wire/191789428878?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649   

[savemy67]

Hello Scot,

Can you elaborate on your issue?  I don't think a '68 distributor is much different than a '67 distributor (but let me know if it is).  When you say the you have a "worn weights" issue, do you mean the advance weights' springs are worn?  New springs should cost much less than a new distributor.  When you say the car "will cut out at low speed", does the engine stop running, or does the engine mis-fire?  Does it backfire through the carburetor or the exhaust?  If you suspect the distributor, have you pulled it and examined the shaft and bushings?  Sounds like you may have a timing/advance issue which could be resolved for much less money than the cost of installing a new distributor.

Respectfully submitted,
Christopher Winter

[Scot Minesinger]

Thanks Geoff, I bought the item you suggested - looked quality.

Chris, The distributor on my red 1970 failed where the holes that anchor the weights egged out.  The car would cut out and restart while driving - annoying and I could never figure it out until after two years of suffering this it failed completely and would not start.  Now this is happening on a 1968 and my other 1970 silver SDV.  So I'm taking care of it now.  It would be a backfire thru exhaust

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Scott,
When you get a replacement distributor be sure you have someone who has a distributor machine run it and verify it is set up correctly for your cars.  There is a difference in advance curves as well as total advance.  Also verify the curve of the vacuum advance as correct operation is critical on these motors for fuel economy and temperature control.
Greg Surfas