Ever have a distributor rotor wear out?
 

I was doing a routine check of my points a couple weeks back and I noticed the rotor was wobbling on the cam. It looked like the shallow molded ribs on the ID that made it fit snugly on the cam had worn down. I got a new one and it fits like it should. The old one was only a few years old and I’m sure it fit properly when new. Bad quality, or engine vibration causing wear?

Re: Ever have a distributor rotor wear out?
 

Hmmm, thats another of life's wonderments.

Re: Ever have a distributor rotor wear out?
 

Did you notice that your ignition timing was becoming more and more retarded with the loose rotor? It would not hurt to check ignition timing with your new rotor installed.

Re: Ever have a distributor rotor wear out?
 

You could try putting a piece off a plastic bag over the shaft before putting the rotor on.

Re: Ever have a distributor rotor wear out?
 

Never heard of that. I would think that the rotor is supposed to be tight enough for little movement. A loose rotor out of the box is the only way for that to happen I believe.

Re: Ever have a distributor rotor wear out?
 

No, the little nub that fits in the slot of the cam was tight, so the timing was unaffected. It was actually running fine, I just noticed it while checking other things.

I got the new one from Bert’s; it is a proper snug fit.

Re: Ever have a distributor rotor wear out?
 

The rotor won’t change the timing.
The spark occurs when the points open. The rotor has nothing to do with timing.
The rotor needs to be pointing to the proper terminal on the cap when the points open to fire that cylinder.

Re: Ever have a distributor rotor wear out?
 

If the rotor tip isn't pointing in the correct way the timing will be off when the points open
. Where the rotor tip points is where the spark is sent . The distributor cam can be loosened and adjusted when the timing pin drops in place . the spark happens , just as the points open .

Re: Ever have a distributor rotor wear out?
 

I had a new rotor where the tab on the inside was so small that it slipped on the cam. It took a while on the side of the road to find the issue when the car stopped with so much back firing that it sounded like WW3. It wasn't a matter of wear, the tab was smooth and shiny, just like the rest of the brand new rotor so it was a dud from the factory.
All that said, I have seen them with the spring steel tab where the carbon button in the cap runs has been corroded/worn through and even broken off. I had one break in the middle of the never never one time and had to bend up a new piece out of shim brass to keep me going. It worked so well that I felt a touch of regret when I put a new rotor button on.

Re: Ever have a distributor rotor wear out?
 

Right, Best answer!
Bill