c15 distributor

[Richtalk]

on bsa c15 distributor is there a small woodruff key that holds the points cam in place under a small BA screw? I have the screw the screws into the central drive spindle holding the cam and points in place. But there is a groove that looks to hold a woodruff key. It is missing and cannot find any reference to it in parts manuals!
One of those v small but frustrating problems with my 1959 model. Thanks

There is a machined slot on the stop flat of the points cam. Can't see what it's for??

[rhyatt]

I'm tempted to think the drive unit sits on a taper , but confess I have not stripped my distributor.
The screw allows the outer part to advance and retard relative to the driven part.
Sorry not particularly helpful
Looking at pics of the shaft that comes up from the oil pump , could it be 1 single solid shaft including  the AR bits.

https://www.britishbikebits.com/15d1-distributor-shaft-nos-bsa-c15-ss80-b40-ss90-triumph-t15-t20

[Richtalk]

There is a machined slot on the top flat of the points cam... cannot see what it's for !!

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

I have used a screw driver in this slot to hold the auto advance in the fully advanced position when setting the timing.

Dave.
 

[rhyatt]

Yep, mine the same,
I use that to grip the cam and twist the cam to ensure a) it is free to AR and 2) ensure that oil drops I put on the top get down between the inner shaft and the outer points cam.
As mentioned earlier, the whole shaft looks solidly built, driven by the tongue at the bottom right up through the distributor bearings and the mobile points cam and their 2 springs slide down onto the upper end secured by that screw