Stupid Distributor Questions

George R said
I have a test light, and will set it up the way you described.
The vacuum at idle is 17", steady as a rock.

I'll check the bushing, but how can you tell if it is worn simply by looking at it?
Also, how the heck do you get the intermediate shaft out of the engine with the intake on??

George

George, I chimed in a while ago and I'm sorry to see that it is not running well, YET!!! I am following along with interest and can offer only my recent experience with my change of distributors. I had a new electronic distributor from a friend and the reluctor went out so I bought the entire Mopar kit and replaced the distributor. When I put in the new distributor, the intermediate shaft had to be turned back 2 teeth to get everything back in line and have the adjustment sweep available to time it. To take out the shaft, I put a screwdriver in the slot of the shaft and turned it counterclockwise until the gear disengaged the continued to spin it swiftly and it came right up. Remember to note the location of the slot as it came out, but in your case when it goes back in move it one or maybe 2 teeth back. I agree with a lot of the information of all of the providers, but i will say that if you are considering a change to electronic ignition, I would spend the $219.00 for the Mopar performance kit and make the change, lean conditions or not. It will eliminate any question about the ignition issues, and leave you with the knowledge that it is correct when you diagnose the carb issues. It sounds like you are trying to keep the car as correct as possible, but the non-correct items in the Mopar kit are easily concealed to retain the stock look. The distributor is close out of the box, and yes it should be "dialed in", but it is very close and should eliminate any doubts in regards to what the ignition is adding to your probem. You gotta get it lined up though, and that sounds like your initial problem to me. I hope to hear some good news from this thread soon, and hope you don't get too frustrated to continue. Be patient and it will come around, step by step. Good luck, Geof