Hey Guys, Hope I can get some help. I have wanted to get my Tach working for a little while now,and, a few rainy days gave me reason to pull the distributor and see what we have to do. The cross gear looks pretty good, but, the drive gear on the distributor shaft itself is wiped out. I now know I need a new shaft for the distributor, and, it does not seam (at first glance) to be a complicated job. Looks like I punch out the roll pin on the bottom gear (that gear looks fine) and pull the shaft out from the top and transfer the bits to the new shaft and thats.. that ....(hopefully goes that easily)..Anyway I am noticing that on my distributor shaft a good amount of vertical play...apx 1/16 to maybe almost 1/8 " . there looks to be a thrust washer above the gear and enough space for at least one more, is this distributor just plain worn out or do I just ad another "shim"..........and if I add another shim will this cause the gear on the end of the shaft to be out of allignment with the cam drive gear? Sorry for all the questions....I am NOT a mechanic, but, like to get as much work done myself as possible. This all brings another question as well, I noticed that my vette when driving along at modest speed...25- 30 mph  I seam to feel a slight hesitation..or maybe best described as cutting out...only slightly....do not notice it when engine is accelorating or under load....could this have something to do with the shaft of the distributor moving up and down and the rotor and cap comming out of allignment ? Not sure that....... that slight of a movement would make a diffrence but Thought I would ask......Thanks in advance for your help.   Eric M Norsky2007-10-11 06:39:34

The pics a little blurry, but from what I see, the clearance looks ok. There should be a small amount of play in the shaft, around .100" should be about right...
You are correct in assuming you can just remove the roll-pin, and pull the shaft out...almost. The area of the shaft on the inside of the dist. will have some funk built up on it, so it's not gonna just fall out. I would suggest you spray WD-40(or similar) into the hole you see in the pic, and let it soak for a while. That will help remove the shaft.
Before you remove the shaft, tho, check the side-side play at the top of the shaft, where the rotor fits. It will have just a little bit of slop, but it shouldn't be enough to be able to hear it hit on the sides as you move it. You may need to replace the bushings, but be very careful if you do. Replacement bushings are all over the place, as far as actual O.D measurements. If you get one that is too big around, you'll crack the dist. pressing it in.

Hi Joel, Thanks for info..................My tach is workin' fine again! E.M.