Well, I am almost finished with the engine rebuild on my '74 TR-6 and was
fitting up the distributor last night when I ran across the procedure to
determine the correct amount of end-float for the distributor (the
clearance between the distributor flange(?) and the distributor/oil pump
drive gear). The clearance specified is .005" and you fit-up gaskets
between the engine block and the distributor flange to set the correct
clearance between the botton of the flange and the top of the drive gear.
The problem I have run into is that without any gaskets fitted I have a
clearance of .008"; with one gasket fitted, the clearance increases to
.016". My question is: Can I run with this much clearance? Do I need at
least one gasket fitted (to prevent oil leaks) or I could put a light
coating of gasket sealant on the flange to prevent a oil leak without
increasing the clearance very much? Or is this a sign of a bigger
problem? The distributor flange has no obvious signs of damage.
Thanks in advance,
Steve Sutton
Ridgecrest, CA
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