Distributor Shaft and Stop Plate

[JPP]

  I have been trying to get my 218 to start, but nothing yet.  I noticed that the rotor was not fixed to the distributor shaft.  When I took the distributor apart, I could not find how the stop plate stays fixed to the shaft.  I also notice that my distributor shaft has threads on it while the pictured shaft from the manual does not.  I also see that my counter weight springs are not matching, but at this point I just want it to start.  Thanks

[Don Coatney]

I have no idea what the stop plate is. Can you further define?

 

[48PHB1B]

The springs are not supposed to match. I thought I had a problem when I took mine apart also. I talked to an expert and found out that they came from factory that way.

[JPP]

Thanks for the insight on the springs, now why does my stop plate move.  This is a hole on the underside of the stop plate but no hole in the shaft?

Dis 1.pdf

[Dave72dt]

It's supposed to move, part of the advance mechanism. Since the points have to break to fire and since you have to deliver the spark sooner at higher rpm's, the cam lobes have to be able to move forward (advance). The main shaft cannot. It can only go around as fast as the oil pump turns it.

[JPP]

Yes the stop plate moves but with the shaft and not independent of it.  Mine has freedom to move independent of the shaft, not good since timing will be wrong if at all.

[Dave72dt]

Then I guess I'm lost.  If that part doesn't move independently of the main shaft, what does? 

[TodFitch]

Yes the stop plate moves but with the shaft and not independent of it.  Mine has freedom to move independent of the shaft, not good since timing will be wrong if at all.

That plate can move with respect to the shaft based on the amount the centrifugal advance weights and springs allow it. There are two advance mechanisms in the distributor: One based on RPM which moves the "stop plate", the other based on vacuum that moves the plate the points are mounted on.

 

Then I guess I'm lost.  If that part doesn't move independently of the main shaft, what does? 

 

Yep.

[JPP]

ok I think I got it figured out.  That tiny c clip at the top of the distributor hold enough pressure on cam plate to keep in sync'd with distributor shaft.  Where can I find one.  Does anyone use mitchell mopar?