Distibutor Casting Cracked, Common?

[edc1953]

Hi All,

I was tuneing up on 53 Kaiser Manhattan this weekend in Portland Or. (70 degree day, just rubbing it in) and notice the distributor cast iron mounting screw holder is cracked.   It is cracked between where the hole is for the mounting screw and the cast iron casting/bracket that hold the distributor onto the engine.

Does anyone know if this is a common thing?
Do I have to replace the Whole distributor of just this cast iron casting?

Who would have one in good shape? New would be great at the right price.

Thanks a lot,
*EDC*

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

Yes, this is a common problem due to the way the aluminum base casting was made.  Some have used a piece of metal as a holder to lock the remaining part of the casing arm down off an adjacent head bolt.

This was profiled in an old issue of the quarterly magazine, unfortunately though, all my old issues are still down in KY.

[boatingbill]

My understanding of this common problem was due to the casting it self. The solution was to file the bottom of the ear flat (where the bolt goes through) so that it sits flat on the engine head. It has been many years, but that is what I remember as a solution. If there is the slightest unevenness, the casting will crack in time.

[GA Kaiser]

It happened on my '54 Manhattan last year too.  The base cracked so the bolt did not hold the base in place and it would turn, and I was told it is very common.  I just got help locating brake drums for my car in another discussion, so apparently Larry Barker is the mannnnnn for parts!  I bought a base for the distributor from Larry (The Kaiser Store), you do not need the entire distributor. Call him at 602-468-1403 or cell 602-373-1456.  You will need to paint it (I still need to do that).  Larry gave very prompt service, too. 

[edc1953]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I will give the MAN a call
Thanks again,
*EDC*

[edc1953]

Hey GA Kaiser,

the number listed seems to have a different area code that 602.
Could you check the area code or supply the city and state in which the Kaiser store is (so I can figure out the area code).

When I dial this # from Portland, I get the operator message stating he area code is changed or different.
Thanks,
*EDC*

[edc1953]

I found it. Talking to him now. 623.486.1403  602.373.1456c 
Thanks
*EDC*

and the part is on its way, HE is the MAN!

[AZ_HJ]

The numbers should be 623-468-1403 or cell 602-373-1456.

[HJ-ETEX]

The distributor collar is die cast (zinc) not aluminum. You also need to be particular in using a replacement because there is a difference in height between the collars used for Autolite and Delco distributors. This was described in a past Quarterly article.

[GA Kaiser]

Sorry, I copied the phone from another post, but glad you found the part.  If I had some extra money, I would call about the brake drums I need, but it's difficult to spend money when you are unemployed!