Corrosion Under Distributor Cap

[four winns 214]

I'm replacing the cap and rotor on my 1984 Merc 228R with Thunderbolt 4. When I removed the distributor cap, I was surprised by the amount of surface corrosion on the distributor body (don't know if that's the correct parts term). See photo. How should I deal with it?

In the same photo and in the other photo of the inside of the cap, it appears to me that the ignition parts and don't seem to be too badly corroded. Is that impression correct? I'm still going to replace them, just trying to learn. I haven't gotten a look at the sensor. Should I replace that as well since I'm in there?

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[shaw520]

There should be a vent tube/elbow on the cap,.. make sure its clear of obstructions,..

 

[Baylinerchuck]

I wouldn't replace the pickup sensor unless you were having issues IMO. Yours looks way better that the cap and rotor on my 4.3. The rotor was stuck to the shaft so tight I had to use a coping saw to cut it off. My father in law gave me that tip as he's an auto mechanic. If you pry the rotor too hard you can bend the rotor shaft, or crack the distributer base.

 

[harleyman1975]

Clean it up and spray a light coat of WD-40 this is what it was made for. Make sure vent is clear like Shaw said.