Permissible shaft play and other distributor rebuild qs

[bnam]

I just got the one year only retard vacuum distributor for my 74tii. I'd like to renew/rebuild it before I install.

How much axial play is permissible? Can I add shims to reduce?

Are rebuild kits avail?

The outer O-ring -- is that something that would be avail at a local parts store or a BMW only part?

What's a good source for Bosch distributor grease?

Thanks!

Byas

[jgerry2002]

Are you checking the advance curve?

There should be essentially zero side to side wobble in the shaft.

I've had both of my distributors rebuilt here -> http://www.advanceddistributors.com/

No affiliation, just a happy customer. I believe there is someone on the board that may also rebuild them.

The biggest thing that wears on the distributor is the advance springs. You need to get them replaced, then test the curve to see if the distributor is within spec.

Probably the biggest headache with a tii is making sure your timing is 100% within spec. You'll waste a ton of time trying to get it to run right with a worn distributor.

[JohnS]

What's a good source for Bosch distributor grease?

I bought some from AutohausAZ:

"http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=hfmsvm55lnc45l2ctrtxb1nt&makeid=800003@BMW&modelid=1010787@2002&year=1974&cid=25@Ignition Parts&gid=7104@Dielectric Compound/Grease"