distributer tack drive gear end play

[Doug W.]

Disassembled to clean and relube my point type distributer and found a 3/16 hole in the housing with a threaded allen set screw passing through into the tack gear cavity where I thought I would find a thrust button. This distributer has the correct pt.# tag for the year. Is this a common OEM method to control tack gear end play or was this one garage mechanics' fix of his own? Thanks to all.

[Terry M.]

Re: distributer tack drive gear end play

Nothing OEM about the set screw, but a common "fix" back in the day. So common that several 'vette publications had how to articles on the subject. Is the allen screw sticking out of the distributor? If so, some careful cutting, filing and a repaint should hide the deed from the prying eyes of the judges and still maintain the internal "help" of the end of the setscrew.

[Timothy B.]

Re: distributer tack drive gear end play

Doug,

You could also drill the tapped hole round and have a bronze plug made that will slightly press fit into the hole. Just leave it short about 1/16" (on the outside) so you can fill the outside with J&B weld and it will be fine. Make sure the inside is flush with the surface so the thrust washer that protects the screw in brass bushing can be used.

[Doug W.]

Re: distributer tack drive gear end play

The set screw is short and recessed so I will lock tight it, reset the end play and seal the hole. Thanks again for the explanations and ideas. There is no substitute for experience.