I have about 2000 miles on a new engine and distributor. It has a roller cam but Comp Cam says thet a standard distributor gear can be used with it. I noticed the other day I have about 1/32" back and forth play in the rotor shaft. Seems like a lot to me. I pulled the distributor to check the gear and is seems to be ok with no visual wear. The cam gear from what I can see through the hole, seems to be in good shape. I would guess that the cam gear is harder than the distributor gear. Any thoughts?

Could this be an issue with the block? It is a Dart Little M.

 

KJ-
Is the play up and down play in the distributor shaft, or is the shaft moving 1/32" from side-to-side in the upper & lower shaft bushings? 1/32" up and down is okay, but if the shaft is sloppy in the shaft bushings, this is not normal and the bushings should be replaced. The shaft should have a nice slip fit in the bushings with no noticable slop or runout.

 

Hey Lars, its been awhile! I guess I wasn't clear, the shaft turns back and forth a bit as if there was timing chain wear. The gear seems fine. My other engine has similar play.

 

Ahhh.. 1/32" rotational play between the gears. That actually sounds about right and shouldn't cause any problems or issues.

 

Cool, Happy Holidays to you and yours!