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TR6 Distributor pedestal - gasket needed or not

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tr6web

tr6web

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Hi everyone. I recently took off the distributor pedestal to clean up the gear and correct some timing. I noticed there was no gasket between the pedestal and block and it doesn't seem like there are remnants of any. Is one required there?
 
It's not really needed as a 'seal'. I don't believe a gasket was even mentioned in the Bentley.
In the Haynes there is a procedure described that uses a gasket to set the drive gear endfloat when the components are new.
If you are reusing the original components, I wouldn't bother.
 
Moss shows an O-ring on the part of the body of the dist that inserts into the block. You would not need anything else.
Bob
 
Thanks Bob. Are you talking about the O-ring in the middle of the shaft that fits into the groove? If so, mine is not present!
 
I’d use that gasket unless my end float was already on target. Every time I’ve measured I concluded that one thin paper gasket would do the trick.
 
Not totally on point, but there seems to be a gap where the pinch plate is on the distributor pedestal.

I actually had quite a problem tightening that plate recently. No matter what I did, the distributor would rotate under reasonable force. I actually stripped the nut and bolt on the pinch plate, trying to get it to squeeze the distributor more tightly.

I also note that Moss is supplying a different kind of pinch plate for the pedestal, at least that’s the case with some new distributors. Here’s a pic for you to review.

Let me know if you would trust it. It uses only one side for a bolt. Is this yet another instance where someone thought they had a “better“ idea?
 

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KVH said:
Not totally on point, but there seems to be a gap where the pinch plate is on the distributor pedestal.

I actually had quite a problem tightening that plate recently. No matter what I did, the distributor would rotate under reasonable force. I actually stripped the nut and bolt on the pinch plate, trying to get it to squeeze the distributor more tightly.

I also note that Moss is supplying a different kind of pinch plate for the pedestal, at least that’s the case with some new distributors. Here’s a pic for you to review.

Let me know if you would trust it. It uses only one side for a bolt. Is this yet another instance where someone thought they had a “better“ idea?
Click to expand...
When you look closely at the pinch plate you will note that the bolt hole side is not level. This is on purpose and must be mounted to elevate the plate. The distributor has two different diameters/ steps where the pinch plate contacts .
It sounds like you had the pinch plate upside down. Therefore it contacted the wrong area on the distributor. This prevents the plate from actually pinching the distributor.
And I know because I did it just a few years ago.
Charley
 
Thanks Charley. I checked and had it right side up, but because I checked, I also could see the distributor wasn’t seated fully. I reinstalled, but this time put the plate on the distributor first, then lowered both into place. That way I knew I had it right.
 
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