87 2.3L OMC Distributer Gear Pin Shearing

[Lil Fesot]

I have a 87 2.3L Ford that keeps shearing the pin for the gear on the distributer. I have replaced the entire distributer assembly and there is no wear on the gear. The latest shearing occurred within 2 hours of running after the distributer was replaced. There is about 400 hours on the engine and I have only owned the boat for the last 100 or so. A friend suggested that I should replace the pin with a hardened pin and change the oil from a straight 30 weight to a multi-viscosity. He thinks it might be creating a challenge for the older oil pump. When the engine is running I have great oil pressure. My guess is that I have a oil pump that is binding at times and causing the pin to shear. This usually occurrs when on plane at approx 3500 to 4000 RPM. Rowing and being towed is getting old. Any and all help would be appreciated. Thanks....

 

[P.V.]

Re: 87 2.3L OMC Distributer Gear Pin Shearing

The 2.3 Cobra dist. runs off an auxuilliary shaft, not related to the cam shaft or the oil pump. Do not confuse it with a 350 ci chevy. Pull the dist and look down at the aux. shaft and inspect it's gear for wear/damage!!

 

[Lil Fesot]

Re: 87 2.3L OMC Distributer Gear Pin Shearing

P.V.,<br />The gear appears to be in good shape as well. I am torn between the Aux shaft or the oil pump as the possible culprit and unfortunately both would require engine removal. I am hoping there is another possible explanation for the shearing of the pin. Perhaps pulling the cover off of the timing belt and manually turning the Aux shaft could prove beneficial?

 

[Lil Fesot]

Re: 87 2.3L OMC Distributer Gear Pin Shearing

Can any one offer additional information? I have heard that early distributors had similar challenges but can not find any information on the solutions. I am suspecting a bad or faulty relief valve on the oil pump. The oil pressure was in the 60 - 70 psi range prior to the pin shearing. I changed the oil to a 5W-30. Am I only masking the real problem or will I be all right with the multi-viscosity oil. Last question; Is there anything special with the oil pump for marine application or can I get one from the local parts store? (the vehicle that used the 2.3L in 1987 was the Ranger. Will that work?)

 

[vinney]

Re: 87 2.3L OMC Distributer Gear Pin Shearing

This was a common problem with the 2.3 engine. There are service bulletins on shearing the pin on the drive gear on the distrubtor. Replacing the pin doesn't work. I think there was an updated gear and new pin to cure the problem. That engine will make 80 psi at wot.

 

[Cut n' Jump]

Re: 87 2.3L OMC Distributer Gear Pin Shearing

Not likely on a cool running marine engine but older Fords were notorious for the umbrella valve seals hardening then falling to the oil pump and causing the pin to shear. Maybe there is trash in the oil pan. The distributer itself isn't binding? Does it have a centrifugal advance with an e-clip or spring rusted off? The auxillary shaft likely has nothing wrong- its turning smooth enough to shear the pin. If something is binding bad enough to shear the pin I'd rather have a pin break than a gear stripping.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 87 2.3L OMC Distributer Gear Pin Shearing

When you replaced the distributor,was it a new unit,including the gear attached?Maybe the pin should be a spirol pin as opposed to a roll pin?<br />DHP

 

[Lil Fesot]

Re: 87 2.3L OMC Distributer Gear Pin Shearing

Thanks for the replies. The distributor was brand new with a new pin and gear. I believe the pin was a spiral pin. I stopped at a performance auto facility and tried to get a solid pin. He had a pin that was beefier than the one I had and I have installed the pin. With the multi-vis oil the max pressure when the engine is at 2000 rpm is close to 70 psi and at idle it drops to under 60 psi (this is best guess using the stock gauge). I still wonder about the oil pump and if I should plan on replacing it if I make it through the season with the replacement pin. If it fails again this weekend, I suppose the pump replacement is unavoidable but can I go with a auto parts store pump?

 

[Lil Fesot]

Re: 87 2.3L OMC Distributer Gear Pin Shearing

Here is an update. I now have 7 hours on the new pin and multi-vis oil. The pressure gauge usually sits at 60 but will on occassion and for no apparent reason spike to 80. When I go to idle it sits around 40. Could this variance be from a "bad" gauge or do I have an oil pump issue and am living on borrowed time? I am slowly regaining confidence in the boat and would like to run other pools but if it goes down again... Any thoughts?

 

[Lil Fesot]

Re: 87 2.3L OMC Distributer Gear Pin Shearing

I know I am new to the forum so I am not sure what to expect. I don't want to be a nuisance but I had hoped there would have been some response to my last two replies. I have learned alot from reading many of the questions and responses in the forum and anticipated I would receive helpful information as well. If I have left information out of my challenge please ask. I have attempted to be as complete as possible as not to waste anyone's valuable time. Your help is appreciated.