I'm wondering if there is a kit to rebuild the dist. or is it best to let the pros handle this. I think it's the original HEI on the 76. Has all that redish dust on the inside. Watcha think? :rolleyes:

 

Heres a few words I found on the subject. ive done dist rebuilds myself and they are not that difficult at all.

If you choose to re-build a used distributor, here's a few suggestions/ideas:
The drive gear is held on by a roll pin -- carefully drive out the pin with a punch to remove the gear.
Once the gear is off, the shaft should slide out. If it doesn't, there is probably a rust build up on it. Use some penetrating oil and work carefully to avoid damaging the bushings.
Once the distributor is fully dis-assembled, thoroughly clean everything.
Inspect for damage (particularly the pick-up coil & wires) and replace parts as necessary.
Slide the shaft into the housing and check for excessive play between the shaft and bushings. New bushings (or another housing with better bushings) may be necessary.
After re-assembly of the gear on the shaft, slide it end-to-end and use a feeler gauge to check for excessive end play. Use shims as necessary to get the axial end play near 0.015".
Also check the mechanical advance and make sure that it is working freely.
The factory advance in HEI distributors used very stiff springs resulting in a very slow mechanical advance. Pick up an advance curve kit that contains various springs so you can experiment with re-curving the distributor.
Finally, finish the re-assembly with a new rotor and cap.

 

Its not always nessisary to remove and rebuild the entire dist. Many times you can just disassemble the advance weight mechinism with the dist still in car. Clean up re lube with light grease sparingly. Expirement with different advance springs for a quicker curve.

 

Also check yur advance can for proper operation. Many times the vacuum diaphram can be ruptured rendering yur vacuum advance inoperable. if yur connect a hose to it and draw suction with a vacuum pump, you should see the movement of the dist plate.

 

Unfortunately, to properly lube the advance weight mechanism on an HEI distributer, the distributer must be removed from the car and the shaft must be removed from the distributer. It's not that big of a deal though. I just did this to my '76 Cadillac and I'm certainly no master mechanic. Check corvettefaq.com for Lar's instructions on distributer removal and installation. Make sure you mark the distributer gear orientation before you remove it. If you don't want to rebuild it, rebuilt distributers are available from Auto Zone for around $100 + your core.

 

Thanks for the replies. Are all the parts I need at the local parts store and are they expensive? If it's going to cost close to 100 dollars for the pieces I would rather just get the rebuilt one. :seeya

 

Does the 76 have electrical or mechanical tach? If its electrical then performance HEI units from Summit are not that expensive and already set up for a better advance curve. HEI mechanical tach drive units are much more expensive.

 

It's an electrical tach. Thanks John, think i'll go and check some prices. :cheers: :seeya