Questions and Answers

Ford F-150 Distributor Problem Q. I have a 1985 Ford F-150 Pickup, 300 straight six motor with 118,000 miles, carburetor and 4-speed manual transmission. It keeps breaking off the roll pin that holds the gear onto the bottom of the distributor. I have replaced the roll pin, distributor, and oil pump. It keeps doing it after a few hundred miles. I don't drive it hard or fast.

I would like any advice you have to give. Tired of thumbing to get home from work.

Thanks for your expertise and knowledge.
Alan
Cherryville, NC

A. Well, with a new distributor, roll pin and drive gear, the only other possible cause is the camshaft. There may be a broken or damaged tooth on the cam shaft that is causing the roll pin to shear. That's the only thing I can think of.