Rotor play, uneven timing, question

[unapez]

I have a 1972 dodge dart with a 360 and just bought a rebuilt distributor (points type) from the auto parts store and installed it with a pertronix ignitor kit. The timing jumps around a lot. I pulled the cap off to see if there was something wrong there, and I noticed that I can turn the rotor left and right about 10-15 degrees with great ease, (and it stays there, like there is no spring pulling it back into position). I pulled the distributor and the oil pump drive shaft/gear assembly to see if it was worn, it was not and it fits snugly in the slot. Could it be that the centrifugal advance springs are weak or not even installed? Thanks for any help.

 

[dc_mopar]

i would check the timing chain, it was likely the original problem that caused you to change the distributor.
Doug

 

[fishy68]

If your able to turn the rotor and it just stays there it's a good possibility you got a defective dist. It wouldn't surprise me because in the last few yrs. about 75% of the rebuilt stuff I've bought has been junk.

The last rebuilt dist. I saw was on a buddy's 383 and he installed it and it didn't run right and called me. I went there and checked the point gap and found it at .035 so I re-gapped it to .018 and we tried it and still wouldn't run right. Pulled the cap back off and rechecked the gap and it was .010 WTH!! I pulled the dist. and found the shaft was bent. I guess they don't check stuff like that when the rebuild them anymore.

Anymore I always buy new if at all possible. Saves alot of headaches.

 

[unapez]

The timing chain is new, the engine is completely rebuilt (by me) .040" over 360 (with 0 miles). I think the distributor is getting pulled and going back to Advanced AP.