Topic: Sloppy fit distributor in Intake
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Gold MemberScotch Plains, NJ - USA
Joined: 1/11/2006
Posts: 241
Vette(s): 1981 Corvette Coupe, Stock, Black on Black,
4 Spd
I'm installing a new distributor in a stock 350 and when seated, the distributor has a sloppy fit.
I measured the intake opening and the old and new distributor boss where it fits into the manifold.
Intake opening: 1.345"
Old distributor boss: 1.247"
New distributor boss: 1.254"
Not too concerned but is this loose fit normal ?
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
If I'm seeing your measurements correctly, t appears the "new" dist has a slightly larger diameter than the "old" one. As long as the o-ring fits snug against the intake, you're good to go. The clamp holds the dist down square against the intake. 
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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Gold MemberScotch Plains, NJ - USA
Joined: 1/11/2006
Posts: 241
Vette(s): 1981 Corvette Coupe, Stock, Black on Black,
4 Spd
O.K., thank you.
I thought that an O-ring should be there but my original didn't have one or the new didn't either. I see no groove on the orig. and new distributors. I looked at the Parts Manual and Assembly Manual also. Did not find an O-ring referenced.
Are there any resources for the O-ring for an 1981-350?
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
My bad....no o-ring on the dist....just a thin gasket at the base. Regardless, the fit between the dist and intake isn't all that tight...Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Gold MemberScotch Plains, NJ - USA
Joined: 1/11/2006
Posts: 241
Vette(s): 1981 Corvette Coupe, Stock, Black on Black,
4 Spd
Not to worry, it's O.K., it's actually a great idea.
I remember, so long, long ago internal combustion aircraft engine magnetos had them.
Thanks
in Forum: C3 Engines
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