ok guys heres my problem. my car isnt running right it backfires and the rpms jump and it just dont run right. i was messing with the distributor and when the bolt is tight it will still move from side to side and i dont think it should do this. now for the rest of the story if you unloosen the bolt the car will run way way better but when u tighten it back up it runs like crap. im just wondering what can be causeing this problem and how i can fix it without spending 3 million dollars any help is greatly appreciated

 

There sould not be a whole lot of movement when its tight.

 

ya i know theres not supposed to be movement when it is tight but there is and i dont know why it lets it twist when its tight

 

pull the distributor out of the car and look at the gear to see if there is any wear. also did this just start to happen.

 

Worn distributer shaft?

 

no the gear on the shaft. maybe it has something to do with that or maybe the housing is cracked

 

well thanks for the replies i havent got to check the distibutor gears yet but you could say it just started but it set for about 8 months with me not working on it. i got pissed and just left it cuz i thought it was the spark plugs and when i was putting it on ramps the damn mastercylinder went out on the clutch and i didnt have money to fix it so i just let it set.

 

No. I mean if the distributor shaft is worn, even a tad, you will have these problems. The shaft has a very tight clearance. If it can be even slightly felt, its enough to replace.