TR6 '72 TR6 distributor issues

[sesom]

I've been restoring this '72 TR6 for some time now, and with the interior and chassis addressed to the point that it's drivable, I've been trying to get it to run properly.
The car came with dual Webers and Petronix ignition. I rebuilt both carbs, and have struggled to get it to dialed in. I think the distributor explains why.
1st, the vacuum retard leaks bady (and so into the webers at the vacuum port).
2nd, the advance weights barely move.
3rd, a chunk was broken out of the body at one point and covered with a scrap of metal and some epoxy.
I'm a bit surprised the car ran as well as it did. At this point I guess I'm looking for a new distributor, since this carcass is toast IMHO. Are TR6 distributors interchangeable across the years? I understand that my '72 with the vacuum retard was an attempt to address emissions at idle, and if it's not necessary for proper running, I don't want it. I'm including a few pics for your perusal.

 

[JHaydon]

FWIW, I've run distributors (plural) in the racecar with just a piece of tape covering the hole where the vacuum advance was removed. It worried me at first until I realized it doesn't have to keep fluid in, it just needs to keep dust out. So the "repair" is ugly and clumsy but not ridiculous, AND you can remove the vac advance and run the one you have.

For the weights not moving, I once had a junkyard distributor that was rusted pretty solid. A liberal application of WD and Liquid Wrench, along with some patient and gentle effort working it back and forth finally freed it up. (Once I got the carburetion on that car sorted, it ran great.)

As long as the shaft turns freely in the body without too much excess motion, it should run the car. It just won't look nice doing it.

Moss has a note about TR6 distributors on their site:
"Note: In early 1971, Triumph modified distributor 41306 by removing the vacuum advance unit as a temporary measure until introduction of distributor 41352. Some distributors numbered 41306 will have both advance and retard, some retard only."

So it appears that any '68-'76 TR6 distributor will fit and will work, even though there are 2 types. Or 3? since the number on yours isn't either of those?

 

[Sarastro]

Well, if this were my car, I'd be shopping for a new distributor. I noticed that Rimmer has new Lucas distributors, number 41385, for about $250. I have always preferred restoring original parts, but I think yours is just too far gone.

 

[CJD]

And...aluminum is infinitely re-weldable, if you have access to a TIG unit...