Distributor Gasket Question (ZZ4 Problem)
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 0
From: Cocoa Beach FL
Distributor Gasket Question (ZZ4 Problem)
OK...I have a new ZZ4 and have a nasty squeal coming from the back of the engine (ner where it mates with the tranny) I had anew torque converter put in because I thought that was it...nope. I just got off the phone with Pace Performance and they said it's pretty common and that the cause was "not enough clearance between the distributor and the oil pump drive". He said that if I loosen the distributor the noise should go away. He also said that I should get a new gasket for it.
My question is: has anyone else had this problem with the ZZ4 engine? Should I try to do this myself or should I use the warranty from GM and take it to a dealership? Also, won't it leak oil if I loosen the distributor myself not knowing the correct torque setting for the bolts?
THANKS VERY MUCH!
My question is: has anyone else had this problem with the ZZ4 engine? Should I try to do this myself or should I use the warranty from GM and take it to a dealership? Also, won't it leak oil if I loosen the distributor myself not knowing the correct torque setting for the bolts?
THANKS VERY MUCH!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 25
From: Blue Ridge Georgia
Re: Distributor Gasket Question (Mystery Machine)
The ZZ4 motor is still the same block as all 350's. The distance from the mounting of the oil pump to the gear of the dist should be a constant value. The inake might be another item. Depending on the type of intake manifold and the type of heads that you have you might have a height problem from the top of oil shaft to top of intake at the dist. I've never heard of anyone having this problem. For sure you can not loosen up your dist. It will move and could cause a meltdown of all moving parts. My guess is that the intake was bolted down without checking for dist algiment, that might be causing a bind. I like to install the intake, install the bolts hand tight then install the dist to make sure it's algined OK and then torque down the intake.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Distributor Gasket Question (Mystery Machine)
They make shims for that if in fact that is your problem:
http://store.summitracing.com/produc...earchtype=ecat .
http://store.summitracing.com/produc...earchtype=ecat .
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 0
From: Cocoa Beach FL
Re: Distributor Gasket Question (Paul 75 L82)
I am using the stock intake that came with the engine. I never removed it or even loosened it so it should be as it was when it left the factory.
I am thinking I should probably take it to a dealer for warranty service as this sounds like it could be something more. Uggg, what a hassle!
I am thinking I should probably take it to a dealer for warranty service as this sounds like it could be something more. Uggg, what a hassle!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 2
From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: Distributor Gasket Question (Mystery Machine)
Agree that if you are using the OEM / Stock set up, you should not have to deal with this problem...........
I had my heads milled .040", and went to an Edelbrock Performer intake, and had to go to use of the shim kit, referred to above as a result.......
I purchased a kit made by Moroso from a speed shop in town...........Came with plastic shims of .030" , .060", and .100", and the .060" shim did the trick for me.
I had my heads milled .040", and went to an Edelbrock Performer intake, and had to go to use of the shim kit, referred to above as a result.......
I purchased a kit made by Moroso from a speed shop in town...........Came with plastic shims of .030" , .060", and .100", and the .060" shim did the trick for me.
