Distributor casing...something wrong here

[Stallion]

I was just outside in the garage looking around and I noticed that the distributor casing (plastic) was a little loose. So I looked for some suspension on it, and there was none at the bottom!! It was really shakey and only held on by friction from other parts and a couple of twisty-ties.

Is this stock? It might've been a makeshift case, but why? It doesn't seem to be posing an immediate problem, but should I put a new case on there?

Thanks!!

 

[JonM]

Are you talking about this part? If so its supposed to be hooked onto the distributor with the two spring loaded screws on the cap.

*EDIT*...yours is like this one Note the holes as noted by John.

 

[Stallion]

No, I'm talking about what goes over that. You know, what you see when you first open the hood to look at the distributor. Mine is a black plastic piece over that what you pictured. I'm talking about what goes over that all. Kind of like a barrier to get to the distributor. You know what I mean?

 

[JohnZ]

You need a new distributor cap - someone broke the retaining screws off of yours and tied it down with zip-straps or twisties. Your cap (HEI) will look different than the one in the picture, as your coil is mounted in the middle of it, and it won't have the little "window" in it (to adjust the point dwell - HEI doesn't use points).

 

[MidShark]

TR
Are you maybe talking about the black plastic housing that covers the whole distributor cap? If so, that is your "ignition sheild". I think it is actually held with clips that strap to the hood cable.
Dick

 

[Stallion]

Yes, I'm talking about the ignition shielding, not the cap. Sorry, guys. I wasn't sure what the name of it was, but I looked in a magazine and realized that I'm talking about the shielding, not the cap.

Any ideas what to do? Thanks!!

 

[MaineShark]

The shielding just sits there. It's isn't really hard-mounted to anything. As long as the ground strap (copper wire connecting the shielding to the block - mine attaches to one of the valve cover bolts) is in place, it will work.

Joe

 

[page62]

You know what I did with mine? I set it against the wall of my garage under the workbench.

Its sole purpose is to prevent radio interference. But a good set of plug wires does the same thing. Try removing it and test your radio reception. If there's no problem, leave the uply thing off!

 

[cruisin-davey-g]

I was just outside in the garage looking around and I noticed that the distributor casing (plastic) was a little loose. So I looked for some suspension on it, and there was none at the bottom!! It was really shakey and only held on by friction from other parts and a couple of twisty-ties.

Is this stock? It might've been a makeshift case, but why? It doesn't seem to be posing an immediate problem, but should I put a new case on there?

Thanks!!

Hi Stallion: Didn't really know exactly what you were refering to about your distributor, until I read some of the other posts. Now that I know, here's just a thought: The eariler C-3's had similiar ignition covers over the distributor only they were metal & had a chrome plated like effect (looks real nice). It is held into place by two support brackets (also metal) which are bolted to the intake. Well, I was just suggesting that you could go with that look (if you don't care from deviating from stock). Only thing that I can think of why it would not work is that the eariler C-3's didn't have HEI ignition & the larger HEI cap with the coil on top might not fit under that eariler C-3 cover. You might be able to improvise, but not sure without trying it. This is just a thought. Take care!


Dave "A CORVETTE IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE!"

 

[Stallion]

Okay, thanks for the suggestions, fellas. I'll try to take it off and see what happens, but I just wasn't sure of whether or not that piece was stock or not. Thanks!!

TR