302 distributor help

Can anyone tell me the difference between a 302 distributor and a 351 distributor? I know the oil pump shaft size on the 302 is 1/4" and I think the 351 is a 5/16" but is there anything else? For instance shaft length below the intake? I'm trying to upgrade my 78 Nautique with a 302 to a HEI and my new distributor won't fit. My oil pump shaft seems to be a 5/16"

I would appriciate any help I can get...

The gears can be different as well. lay the distributors side by side and compare the two for length and dia. If the number of teeth and direction of the gears are the same you maybe able to swap gears so that the oil pump interface is good.

I'm a little confused, you have two 302 dist's and they have different drive slots for the oil pump. I have a question. Is the dist in the front (ford) or rear (chevy) of the intake? My 351w has a 5/16 hex as the drive shaft for the oil pump, chevy uses a slot. Since it sounds like you have bought a new dist. I would recommend sending it back and getting the correct one, now if it is used then that's another story and we can get you headed in the right direction and make what you have work if you are handy and with a little more info.

It could be as simple as driving out the roll pin that holds the grear in place and swaping gears. On some models the slot is part of the gear on others it's the tip of the shaft and that will take a little more work and a new set of prestolite bearings in the base to make it work. So I need more info to help you.

Oh if you are worried don't be, I have a very strong background with dist. concidering I designed them for GM for several years.

My suggestion would be that all you need to do is swap gears. Since it is a hex then it should be part of the gear and not the shaft. look at the gear and you should see a roll pin and a pimple on the gear. the pimple will line up with the tip of the rotor so don't get it 180 degress out off wack. Take a punch and drive out the pin just enought to clear the shaft but not completely out of the gear. It doesn't take a lot of force a hammer will work fine no need for a press, just support the base close to the gear. Slide off the gear and replace with the old gear using the same technique and re-install the gear on the new dist. You can use a punch to line up the holes then tap on the roll pin to start it and the punch will slide out of the way as you drive in the pin. Make sure the roll pin is recessed on both sides of the gear it cannot protrude on either side or you will destroy internal parts.

Now the only issue you may have is that since the
HEI you have is a slot like a screw driver, typically that style is the end of the shaft and you will not be able to swap the gears in this case. Look aat the end of the gear and determind if the slot is part of the gear or the shaft. Usually they are different colors one flat black (gear) and the other stainless steel (shaft) if this is the case then you will have to send the dist back and get another, but if the slot is the same color as the gear then you can swap them. What is the name of the company on EBAY? you do relize that ford Never made an HEI dist and that it is a GM product you are trying to match up thus the slot verse hex. GM uses a slot on almost all of there dist. Mallory does make a direct replacement electronic dist for this motor.

Hope this helps someand you get it sorted out and are on the water soon.

well, that wasn't very nice...

tjackle...welcome to the forum!

Nuatique 79...take it easy on him...

He gets a bit miffed when guys are trying to throw auto parts on a fine machine! His advice could save you some time and money...go to the source and purchase the recommended part!Use the right marine parts and you will be on the water runnin well!

Try using the skidim link on this site and ask for vince!

tjackle; I second the welcome to our site...you'll love it here...don't mind 79...he gets a bit serious at times but he knows of what he speaks....he only wants things done properly and safetly...jbear

"If it's not the carb, dist, alt. , starter or piston's then use any automotive part you can find but if it is then use the correct parts and buck up and pay the maoney to do so. Hasn't anyone told you what BOAT stands for? Brake Out Another Thousand."

So does that mean we can use an automotive oil pump? since the dist' rotates the same way as an automotive dist, then I assume the oil pummp rotates the same way? I am NOT trying to get out cheaper on our rebuild, I just want the correct oil pump.
btw, I think you meant "Break out another thousand" not "Brake out another thousand" :)