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Tach drive technical advise

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island time
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Tach drive technical advise

Post by island time » Fri Jun 09, 2017 8:10 am

Hi Guys,
In an effort to keep new activity in the Buzz I will ask a question I was saving for later.
I have been working on a 1968 23' Commander, originally it had the 327F but at some point in history the engine was changed to an 80s vintage 350.
Along with the old engine the original Prestolite distributor disappeared that had the mechanical tach drive incorporated in the side of the casting.
Even though I want electronic ignition I very much want to go back to that original style distributor so my mechanical tach will work again. I can always install a Pertronics conversion.
So the question is; should I try to find a distributor or should I have the tach converted to electric?
Craig Wilson
Churchville, NY
Alexandria Bay, NY

1968 23' Chris Craft lancer
1971 31' Revelcraft
1988 25' Fourwinns
1972 19' Chris Craft Lancer
1957 18' Chris Craft Sea Skiff
1958 18' Chris Craft Sea Skiff
1968 23' Chris Craft Commander

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drrot
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Re: Tach drive technical advise

Post by drrot » Fri Jun 09, 2017 9:07 am

Electronic, tach drive and $58 delivered! Even comes with the vacuum advance capped off.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-Big-Small ... 4g&vxp=mtr
Jim Staib
www.finewoodboats.com


1947 Penn Yan 12' Cartopper WXH474611
1950 Chris-Craft 22' Sportsman U-22-1532
1957 Chris-Craft 26' Sea Skiff SK-26-515
1968 Century 17' Resorter FG-68-174

jfrprops
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Re: Tach drive technical advise

Post by jfrprops » Fri Jun 09, 2017 9:29 am

damn Jim. that is cool...never seen one?? Like always we find a great solution long after we sold the problem!

John in Va.
1980 Fairchild Scout 30
19?? custom Argentine Runabout 16'
1954 Whirlwind deluxe dual ckpt 16'
1921 Old Town Charles River 17' (founding Captain, James River Batteau Festival)

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island time
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Re: Tach drive technical advise

Post by island time » Wed Jul 12, 2017 12:28 pm

drrot wrote:Electronic, tach drive and $58 delivered! Even comes with the vacuum advance capped off.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-Big-Small ... 4g&vxp=mtr
Hi Jim,
As you know after you posted this I ordered this distributor. It's been waiting on the shelf for the new engine to arrive. I ordered the engine today so I will be installing the distributor soon. Since I posted the original question I have made a few changes, I decided to go back to an opposite rotation just as it was from the factory, this brings up a few questions since this is the first time I have dealt with different rotations. 1). How does the engine's direction of rotation affect the rotation of the distributor? do I need an opposite rotation drive gear? 2). I now realize that I will need to get an opposite rotation starter unless they are reversible, are they reversible? Finally, I will also need to get a right hand prop. I don't want to spend the big dollar buying new, I would like to trade my left hand for a right hand. Do you know of a source for good used props?

Craig
Craig Wilson
Churchville, NY
Alexandria Bay, NY

1968 23' Chris Craft lancer
1971 31' Revelcraft
1988 25' Fourwinns
1972 19' Chris Craft Lancer
1957 18' Chris Craft Sea Skiff
1958 18' Chris Craft Sea Skiff
1968 23' Chris Craft Commander

joanroy
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Re: Tach drive technical advise

Post by joanroy » Wed Jul 12, 2017 4:28 pm

My distributors turn the same way in my counter rotating 350's. I think some do and some don't. I'd check with your engine supplier.

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drrot
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Re: Tach drive technical advise

Post by drrot » Thu Jul 13, 2017 8:25 am

Distributors spin the same way to properly operate the oil pump but the gear is angled the other way.
Easiest to change the complete starter.
Left hand propellers are less desirable than right hand in our hobby.
Jim Staib
www.finewoodboats.com


1947 Penn Yan 12' Cartopper WXH474611
1950 Chris-Craft 22' Sportsman U-22-1532
1957 Chris-Craft 26' Sea Skiff SK-26-515
1968 Century 17' Resorter FG-68-174

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