Distributor Hold-down?

I know I just got back into an early CJ after a long hiatus. And I’m sure not trying to complain about every little thing, but why is the distributor hold-down so dang fussy?!?! It’s a little tricky to get installed, but nothing too bad. The real problem is when I try to *barely* loosen the bolt enough to adjust the timing, as soon as I move the distributor a tiny bit, the hold-down slips off the base of the distributor, allowing it to slip out of the oil pump. Ugh. Then I have to start all over with the process - for the third time…

Is there a different/better hold-down than the original rocker arm style?

 

I have this style clamp. When just loosened a smidge, there’s still enough friction to hold the distributor in position, but still turn the distributor (even when the engine is running)

 

I have the rocker style and have not experienced that problem. The rocker bottom fits in between 2 raised parts of the timing
chain cover. I put a stud in the cover and use a nut and washer for ease of use. The rocker style does tend to dig in to the
flange on the distributor. That said, I would rather have the one that Bummer has.

 

I had the same problem. When i switched to HEI i used a cheap chevy small block hold down and an ARP stud conversion and that seem to keep the timing from walking

 

The stud idea seems like it would help - I think I’ll try that. It would also make it easier to use a little thread sealer to keep oil from seeping out of the timing chain cover.
Ultimately, the hold down that Beachbum has looks like the best solution - but I’m not finding anything like that for sale on the interwebs…

 

Wow, I can hardly believe that. Just type in your search engine, "distributor hold down clamp" and you will find them everywhere. Amazon, Ebay, Jegs, Speedway Motors, Summit Racing.

 

I never found one that would work on the Buick. I think I have a nice chrome GM one somewhere. Considered fabbing one.
TA Performance sells a heavy washer with a bolt for the hold own.

 

I assume this was an attempt at humor that just came across as being cheeky…

 

Probably so. I'll go sit in my corner now.