How much play from side to side is too much play? Could excessive play from side to side cause an engine miss and vibration?

 

Dr. Neutron,

There should be almost no noticable radial play in teh upper end of the distributor shaft. If you measure, you should be able to see no more than .004-.006" with a dial indicator. I've had a nasty issue with this on Kettering (breaker point) distributors in the past. By design, one would think that the HEI type distributors would be a little more forgiving, but there is still a tolerance for the reluctor/pickup assembly to produce an acceptable signal.

You may be shopping for a distributor bushing kit.

 

So what you are saying ole STAR WARS one, this could be the source of my vibration or occasional misfire?

Dr. Neutron, Oh how I wish. Salary wise atleast.

 

So If I wiggle the rotor back and forth and can notice a bit of play, then it's time for a bushing kit? I didn't know they made bushing kits, thought you had to replace the whole dizzy.

where would one find a bushing kit?

 

Good question where would one find the bushing kit for a distributor? I think moroso puts one out distributed by Summitt Racing. There bushings are nylon and vary in thickness. Sorry dont know the part number