Point Gap

[Arizona Mike]

When I had the distributor out of my '59 Tuesday to check and set the point gap, I was not able to get the gap correct because of the wear on the cam lobes and apparent wear to the shaft itself. The shaft has some play in it , and this wear, and the wear on the lobes is enough that the points cannot be set right but only almost right. Its either a little less than .020 or more depending on how the distributor shaft is positioned and which lobe is in contact with the points breaker.

It seems to be runnung OK now, but is this a problem for the points and ignition or should I replace the distributor? Is there a way to fix the worn parts?

Thanks

[WKPoor]

AM, That is a very good question as I know myself I don't usually check all the lobes to see if the gap will be the same. I think its pretty common for the shaft to be loose and also the gear on the end to be loose. All which could effect performance.

[Bus Driver]

The setting is not required to be absolutely precise. Get it as close to 0.020+/- as you can and it will be fine. If using timing light for setting the timing, set the point gap first. Changing point gap also changes the timing.

[Mag Man]

If you take the dist apart and take the point plate off and pull the top part that that the rotor would go to and put some light grease in there and reinstall it may take care of the loose problem. then 20thousands.
JON