Distributor gasket

[BobKTX]

It appears that I have some signs of oil around the distributor. From my researching, there is a cork gasket at the base of the distributor and I've read that there might be an o-ring on the distributor shaft itself.

While I've worked on cars my entire adult life, I've only had my 1969 E-Type Series 2 FHC for a little over a month and honestly I've never pulled a distributor out, but I'm willing to learn and try. But I don't want to get it out, only to be unsure how to get it back in and seated properly.

Can anyone provide some guidance on removal, the proper servicing to prevent more leakage (number and types of gaskets) and how to go about ensuring that I get the distributor back into place properly.

I know this is a new guy kind of question and I appreciate any advice in advance.

[mgcjag]

Yes there is a gasket and o ring.....the distributor has a slight offset in its drive dog so only locates in one position when you reinstall it......its held inplace by only one bolt.....but beware there is also a clamp with a long bolt/nut...if you loosen this your timeing will alter..........so basically ensure the clamp bolt is tight...remove the one short bolt holding the clamp plate to the block and pull the distributor out....slight twisting may help......renew parts then ...ensure the offset dog in the distributor is in the correct position....push in the dizzy you should notice the dog engage and refit the bolt......plenty of info in the service manual....Steve.....ps.....befor you start remove dizzy cap and photo the position of the rotor arm......when finished it should be in exactly the same position......

[BobKTX]

Thank you. Earlier today I did indeed take a pic of the distributor with the cap off, so i know the position of the rotor (actually an older electronic ignition part). I also labeled all the wires on the distributor cap (1-6) so that I can use the correct order. Given where my #1 plug wire is, a friend has indicated that my setup is off by 180 degrees.

I've now removed the single bolt that held the distributor and removed it from the block. The cork gasket was hard and oil soaked. I have an entirely new setup on order (123Ignition with wires and coil) and will likely get it installed late next week, by the time it arrives.

One question. After removing the single bolt that holds the distributor, there is the clamp and longer bolt that you described. Since I'm replacing the distributor, do I need to remove that clamp and bolt to place on the new electronic distributor? If yes, how would I know exactly how to position it on the new distributor?

[mgcjag]

Hi Yes....you will need to reuse the clamp........you will have to reset your timeing with the new distributor....a bit more long winded to explain how to do that.......ideally you need someone who can help and can do it with you....or you can refit your existing dizzy then take it to a shop it fit the 123.....Steve

[andypreston]

Bob, there's a cork gasket between the bottom of the distributor and engine block that is often missing. Part #C2430 available from SNG, To remove the distributor loosen the nut on the clamping ring and carefully pull upwards. Reference the orientation of the distributor so it goes back in the same place. You'll probably need to adjust the timing when done.

Andy S2 FHC