distributor diagnosis

[Dats Right]

Does this distributer look bad, the shaft below the rotor( not sure what it is called) looks pretty chewed up in sections,

iit is a 69' 521 with j15 engine, im having some rough running backfire issues, and was going to install new points and condenser

but wondering if the condition of that shaft means i should replace the whole thing, Have been able to find dizz for the j13 and j16, are either of these the same as this one on j15? 

[datzenmike]

Look ok. The shiny areas are lobes like on a camshaft. The points wear block is pushed up to go over these and the points open. The dark areas are just grease where it doesn't rub.

 

Gap new (or old) points 0.018" to 0.022" Timing is 8 degrees BTDC

 

 

Back fire?? Out the exhaust???

[Dats Right]

Thanks, im trying to make an intermittent backfire go away, think it might be related to my carb issues but trying to rule out the distributor.

[Dats Right]

Backfire out the exhaust along with sometimes out the carb when i press on the gas quickly or turn off, ti thought the timing was 6btdc from motorsports inc website, but 8 would change things

[ggzilla]

Hard to say from that photo. If you wipe the cam down we could maybe tell. If that is rust it may wear the points rubbing block quickly. In any case if the dwell meter is at 49-52 degrees it is good

 

 

Wiggle the shaft side to side. Any play in it will wreak havoc with the spark.

[Dats Right]

just checked that is just grease, fairly clean when removed no wiggle side to side little up down, truck had been sitting long time when i found it, ive done a bunch of work but have not yet addressed the distributor, i will check gap and am wondering if there is any general maintenance even if it is not the cause of my rough running issues

[ggzilla]

Checking the gap is only accurate with new points, because as they run a crater and peak naturally occur with the contact points. For this reason use a dwell meter.

 

Maintenance calls for new points & condenser every 12 months/20k kilometers.

 

Some old timers file the points, then re-check them with a matchbook cover (which are about .020 inch thick).

[Dats Right]

thanks, i think shes a couple decades over due., does anyone know if the j13 or j16 points and condenser will work on this j15, they seem to be easy to find

[ggzilla]

Or 1600/1200. Points are the same for all Hitachi D410 distributors

[MikeRL411]

Japanese made Buick "Opel" also use the same Hitachi point assembly. Work great on my RL411.