Thread: Side to side play in distributor normal?

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I'm sticking with my orignal statement if the dist. is down all the way there should not be any real movement side to side. if there is either the block is bad or the distributor is bad

Originally Posted by HOTRODPAINT

Another critical issue is that when the distributor is tight, and you have the cap off, you should not be able to move the shaft noticeably.

Hotrod, Shawnlee, and to confirm 65ny, no it is not the center/rotating shaft, it is the machined outer housing that snugs down on the intake.

65ny, I was only ribbing you about the mopar thing....har har ...I think you know that though. I would tow your car for you any day of the week.

I will investigate this (now that I am home) and get back with you all shortly with the prognosis...thanks for all of your inputs!

Okay, I started typing then got a "problem with the database" message from CHR.....went back to the main page, link will not open thread, so I click on the number (of replies) and hit the "close window and open thread" button...presto, here I am again....weird

So I pull the distributor: 1.250" like Charlie said...
The hole measures a little larger at 1.395"....
That's a difference of 0.145" or roughly...just over an 1/8"

TOTAL lateral movement as measured at the base of the cap is only about 1/16" of an inch (it sure SEEMED like more than that).

charlie said

If you are all the way down I'd check the bores in the block as the intake realy isn't what it matches up to.

Observed to be true. I lifted the distributor slightly so I could peek underneath while I wobbled it and the machined outer shaft doesnt even make contact with the edge of the hole in the intake. It is seating all of the way as well. So no problems there. I think the only problem we have here is me.

My conclusion?? (tell me if I am wrong please) If the bore down inside the block is only allowing 1/16" (which can look like 1/4" or a foot if it's your new motor) of lateral movement 7 inches or so up at the base of the distributor cap, then I would say that it fits pretty good and I ought to install it, clamp it down, and forget I ever brought this up.

opinions?

if the clamp ring is sitting on the manifold your good to go.

Take your meds Cayne, the voices are getting louder.........

Yes it is seated nicely. That is a relief...now I can resume handling the final details before my initial startup....

I appreciate everybody's input...thanks!