Distributor shaft worn

[Mach 1 Spitfire]

Hi again,
I have a 1991 4.3 roller cam Mercruiser engine. I pulled the distributor to perform some maintenance on the manifold. In doing so, I found out that the lower bearing surface of the distributor's main shaft is worn so the distributor drive gear can move side to side. I need a complete distributor or just the shaft. This distributor is the Thunderbolt electronic unit. The bushing in the distributor is OK. The wear is on the shaft itself. Can you help?
Thanks
Doug

 

[Don S]

Re: Distributor shaft worn

You need a complete distributor. The shaft is not available seperatly. ebay for used, Mercruiser for new.

 

[Mach 1 Spitfire]

Re: Distributor shaft worn

Don,
Well, found a new one on e-bay for $90, got lucky.
I have this problem fixed but am still not sure how the ignition interrupt works. I read the sticky but it really did not tell about how it cut the ignition out when connected to the white with green tracer wire on the distributor. I can go to the other thread I started a few days ago if you want to discuss this. I only know that the switch is either on or off. When the roller is in the v notch it shows no continuity, but when its on the cam (high point), it shows continuity. I would think the ignition would short out and stay grounded out. The shift cable works smooth.
Thanks for any professional advice.
Doug

 

[Bondo]

Re: Distributor shaft worn

When the roller is in the v notch it shows no continuity, but when its on the cam (high point), it shows continuity. I would think the ignition would short out and stay grounded out. The shift cable works smooth.

Ayuh,...

Only when shifting Out of gear,...
Only when the boat is In the water,....
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