305a V6 ignition parts

[TJ's GMC]

Actually the 230-250-292 had screws to hold the cap down and were internally adjusted. The older 216-235-261 had the externally adjusted dizzys and the snap on straps to hold the cap down. Nice to know what truck my 305 was out of. It had that governed dizzy.

[AZKen]

My 1963 Chevrolet Truck Shop Manual shows 6 cyl 230, 292 Distributor cap as spring loaded retention and external/window adjustment as previously posted.


My 305A and 305E have the exact same Dizzy/cap/rotor/etc. Spring loaded cap, external adjust.

[AngryPirate]

Originally Posted by Ed Snyder

Scott -- Do you know if you still have the original 305A, or has it maybe replaced with a later 305E with the smaller distributor?

Ed

Original 305a. Not sure about the distributor though. I'll have to pull a part # off of it.

[AngryPirate]

Originally Posted by Jim A

The thing I like about the various forums I visit, including this one, is the tradition of almost unfailing courtesy and helpfulness.
I don't read every post so there may be some "history" between Pirate and Ken that I have missed.
If not, then the courtesy I expect seemed a little strained here.
I hope it is a one-off.

I appreciate almost any reply, and I suppose that I have only one post on this forum may have prompted Ken's response. I guess I was taken aback when I saw the "you should really try the Internet" response when I have done lots of digging and I was posting here in case it was some gmc (not Chevy) weirdness with the distributor and other ignition parts. I was baffled when I kept getting the incorrect parts and before I attempted again I was wondering if someone else had experienced this weirdness and had some insight or possibly some online purchase history that could yield a specific part number.
I guess I took the response the wrong way and I apologize to Ken.
I always search the forum for the answer before posting my own thread. I just didn't see anyone else having an issue with finding correct parts is all.
I am always very gracious for any help, but I guess I have a hot button when it comes to any (my) perceived condescending comments.
Apologies for the misunderstanding

[AngryPirate]

Originally Posted by AZKen

Here is some info from a GMC enthusiast and expert:

GMC v6 engines came with one of 3 different dizzies. First the externally adjusted style. Just like the 230-250-292 stuff. It has the spring arms to hold on the cap.
Next is the internal adjusted style. More or less the same as the later 235-261 Chevy and jimmy 248-270 302. Screw on cap.
Third is the externally adjusted dizzy with the governor control. This has 2 vacuum ports and is taller under the cap. These came on 1-1/2 ton and larger.
There seems to be no rhyme or reason for use of the first two styles. Though the externally adjusted caps seem a bit more common. Both styles have appeared on all series of 305 engines.

Noted. Thanks for the response.
Next time I'm at my truck I'll pull the ignition parts and post them, for future reference.
I'll dig into the information above.
Thanks again.

[jagarra]

When I was getting parts for my 62 with a 305 D motor I used the Napa on line site to do my parts research. After I selected my year truck on the site I could then select my local store. Then I could peruse inventory and see what was in stock. Everything I needed for the dizzy was in stock, worked correctly. What really took me back a bit was how expensive the externally adjusted points and matching cap were. But from experience, Napa has top quality ignition parts so I got the best for my baby.

[AZKen]

I do a lot of "shopping" on line to get part numbers and pictures, and after many corroborating facts, I then try to find the parts locally so as to touch and feel and compare before buying. Just as Jagarra said. I have found that some online retailers are easy and fair regarding returns. I don't use any of them unless I have to or the price is way low. Amazon seems good for returns. RockAuto is NOT. I don't use them anymore for purchase but really, really, good for part numbers. As I said way back, buy at a store near if you can. I have learned to do cross referencing on the internet. It has taken a lot of time to learn how to do that to end up with the part at O'Reilly's. They do not always have an old truck part listed on their site or computer. Their dates don't go that far back sometimes. I am speaking of all kinds of old trucks/cars I have worked on, not just GMC. Places like O'Reilly's will take back a part, no questions asked especially if you have built up a rapport.

[TJ's GMC]

Originally Posted by AZKen

My 1963 Chevrolet Truck Shop Manual shows 6 cyl 230, 292 Distributor cap as spring loaded retention and external/window adjustment as previously posted.


My 305A and 305E have the exact same Dizzy/cap/rotor/etc. Spring loaded cap, external adjust.

Maybe I'm mixing up what your calling Internal an External adjustment. lol You meaning turning the dizzy back and forth to set the timing? Or are you referring to the vacuum or mechanical advance?

[AZKen]

Points adjust thru "window" built into dizzy. Dwell. How could you interpret turning dizzy as internal/external adjustment?
Anyway sounds like OP is on track.

[TJ's GMC]

Originally Posted by AZKen

Points adjust thru "window" built into dizzy. Dwell. How could you interpret turning dizzy as internal/external adjustment?
Anyway sounds like OP is on track.

My bad. Never had an engine with the dwell window. Though I have heard of them.