I'm installing a new Edlebrock intake manifold. While removing the distributor, I noticed that the housing is full of oil....that can't be right?!? Anyway, I decided to tear it down, replace the pickup and look for a damaged o-ring somewhere in the shaft. No o-ring. Is it supposed to have one? If so, where is it supposed to go? If not, what keeps the motor oil from being "sucked up"? Am I just worn out?

 

No seals, just gravity.

High crankcase pressure might push it up around the shaft. That's the only thing that comes to mind, anyway.

 

It won't have an o-ring. Just a little round gasket. Make sure that you put on there. Seems like it would take a ton of pressure to fill a distributor up but its possible im sure. Either that or WAY to much oil was put in the car

 

Oil level is correct. Don't think that I have ever overfilled it. The oil pressure gauge doesn't work so I'm unsure of the pressure....what would cause such high pressure anyway?