1932 Buick Distributors 50 Series 660 vs 90 Series 662

[CTCV]

To my knowledge the generator in all series 1932 Buicks are the same. 940 t1 is in my 90 Series. My distributor is the 662. Not many around. 50 series 660's are around and are dual points as the 662.

So my question is....What specifically are the differences? Can't be the gear since it meshes with the same generator. Difference in advance weights ???

Anyone know?

Tony

[Str8-8-Dave]

They used 2 different model distributors in 1931 as well, 660L for 50 series with set flywheel timing of 12 degrees BTDC had cut-in rpm of 400-480 and provided 10-14 degrees crankshaft advance at 800 rpm and 17-21 max crankshaft advance at 1600 rpm.   The 60/80/90 series cars used model 660E with set flywheel timing of 11 degrees BTDC for 60 series and 10 degrees BTDC for 80/90 series had cut-in rpm of 400-480 and gave 10-14 crankshaft degree timing advance at 800 rpm, 19-23 crankshaft degree timing advance at 1800 rpm and 30-34 crankshaft degree timing max at 3000 rpm.  Short story is the 2 distributors are curved and limited differently.  I would assume same case scenario for 1932 distributors.

[CTCV]

All great information. So is that to say that all dual point distributors of 1931 and 1932 will fit and engage the same generators with the only issue being that the timing advance would need to be calibrated to the specific engine?

I am looking for a 662 90 series distributor. But I do have the ability to make or modify advance weights and springs. With your new information it seems I can get any 50 series distributor and modify the advance to the correct specs.

Is that correct?

Tony

[edinmass]

I may have a distributor........removed from our DV-32, I was told it was 90 series Buick.....(1950’s replacement.).........but the tag had been changed out. Do you have a photo of what you need?

Edited December 27, 2021 by edinmass (see edit history)

[CTCV]

[32buick67]

The info from UMS catalog shows the only difference is the main shaft part number for 660-L vs 662-B.

Housing, cam, weights, gear, springs, etc. are identical part numbers.

 

1932-50: 660-L, main shaft #1839350

 

1932-60-80-90: 662-, main shaft #1843046

 

I don't know what is different between the shafts, but the diameter must be the same because the cams and gears are the same.

Maybe the difference is length, or pin location, or ?

[Str8-8-Dave]

I hadn't really studied a UMS parts book but looking at the advance vs engine RPM of the 50 series vs 60/80/90 the basic difference appears to be how much centrifugal advance is allowed.  That variable is likely controlled by the diameter or placement of the hole the advance limit pin travels in.  if the weights and springs are identical and 60/80/90 allows more centrifugal advance the diameter of the advance limit pin hole for 60/80/90 would likely be larger than 50 series.

 

1931 660E parts

 

Rotor assembly with weights and springs.

 

Shims are used to limit end-play of the rotor in the housing which, if excessive, alters intended advance total.  Gear has 15 teeth.

 

Hole size in the main rotor shaft plate controls how much total advance the centrifugal advance can produce.   60/80/90 cars with the 660E are supposed to see 34 degrees total at 3,000 rpm.  The 60 series initial timing is 11 degrees so the centrifugal advance needs to provide 23 degrees of advance at 3,000 rpm.  I would expect to see a smaller advance limit hole for 31 50 series which calls for only 21 degrees max advance at 1600 rpm.

With 12 degrees initial flywheel advance setting the centrifugal advance mechanism only puts in another 9 degrees at 1600 rpm.

Edited January 10, 2022 by Str8-8-Dave (see edit history)

[32buick67]

Some additional info from the 1930-1941 National Service Manual about the 660 vs 662 distributor, maybe it is helpful.

 

[32buick67]

Here is more info about RPM and advance settings for the 660 vs 662 if you do have to mod a 50 series to have enough advance to meet the 90 series needs.

 

[32buick67]

Maybe this is more useful info...more science project...

[CTCV]

THIS IS AMAZING !

First the fact that someone had the foresight to save all this information.

Second that those same visionaries make time to review these forum with the intent to help others.

and third that you , and you know who you are, are so complete and determined to make sure you provide the best information when ever possible.

 

Doesn't it just make you feel like you have friends all over the world?

 

Thanks for all the data. A bit too cold for me to tinker with now but it will all come in handy soon enough.

 

Tony