Hitchcocks Forum

I am replacing the distributor spindle bushes on my 1990 350 Bullet. Apart from the noticeable radial play there is also a lot of end play. There are 3 shims already behind the gear and I have ordered 3 more anticipating this. But how much end play and does it really matter? It is not enough for the advance retard plate to interfere with the points plate but it doesn't feel right to have a shaft slopping about like that? What are the limits here, anyone?

Easy fix.

The shaft runs on a pair of iron bushes in the casting. Drift the right hand side iron bush (timing chest side) back out a bit, you'll need to get in with a punch from the points end with the shaft removed to do this.

When you re-attach the pinnion and tighten the nut down, it'll all bind against the slightly protruding bush and refuse to turn. Now give the nut a single light tap with a fairly small hammer and it'll seat the bush just a bit further so it'll rotate but have almost no end-play.

Thanks very handy info there. Would shims do the same thing taking up the slack?

Al Crusader wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 11, 2021 4:59 pm

Thanks very handy info there. Would shims do the same thing taking up the slack?

Short answer. Yes.