78 Spider rotor is loose

[htchevyii]

I was messing with my new beater autocross car trying to get it running today. I noticed that the rotor is really loose on the dist shaft, way too loose. I took a picture with the rotor turned each way so you can get an idea how far it will move. There was an extra rotor with the car and it's the same way. The car is a 1978, 1756. The rotors look right compared to the parts catalog, is there something missing here? Thanks!

[bobplyler]

The mechanical advance can act like that.

[htchevyii]

I can see the shaft below, it is not moving. I actually heated one of the rotors and collapsed it to try to get it to fit tighter and it did work to a certain degree, but there's go to be a better way.

[So Cal Mark]

there is a little brass insert that goes inside the rotor that makes it fit tightly on the shaft

[htchevyii]

I just found a pic of this beck arnley rotor, it is a different design, but has the piece.

This is the one that most of the vendors seem to sell and it doesn't seem to have the piece.

[BEEK]

the piece is just not pictured. the white rotors have a removable spring tensioner, most are steel. it has a mostly round head with a flat tail that turns 90 degrees. ill add a picture tomorrow

[So Cal Mark]

without that insert the rotor will almost spin on the shaft

[htchevyii]

The worst thing is the PO is actually a "mechanic" at a local shop. He said sometimes it ran better than others, I wonder why? He also seemed to love orange silicone. Makes me kind of sceptical about the rear end that he rebuilt, (claimed it has new r&p and bearings). The pinion seal is dumping, so I'll have to do something about that. I did take a quick trip down the street, but with only a header and straight pipe figured I'd better park it before the fuzz showed.

[So Cal Mark]

haha I love that "mechanic" term. I constantly have people tell me their neighbor used to be a "mechanic" and worked on Fiats. If they were really a mechanic they would making a living at it, not be a "former mechanic"

[BEEK]

i take exception to that mark im a former fiat mechanic and shop owner. i would put my wrench turning abilities against anyone. im currently ase certified. i just choose not to work on cars, with a few exceptions, (restorations). but i do now own a machine shop and am currently enjoying making chips fly

ill say one thing, im a MECHANIC, im not a tech or a parts replacer, i diagnose and repair, i dont plug in and replace components because the scanner tells me to.

[So Cal Mark]

no offense meant towards you BEEK! I'm sure you've heard the same stories I have

[BEEK]

understood, i meant my comment jokingly.... everytime i think i have seen it all, something comes along to amaze me even more. the things ive seen so called mechanics do....

the days of mechanics are over for the most part. today we have technicians, the 2 are so very far apart. this is due mostly to manufacturers not wanting components repaired, they want them replaced. to sell a single higher priced part as an assembly. the pretense is to control quality of the assembly.

as an example: one of my tow trucks a 2000 ford f550 developed an oil leak, the turbo pedestal was leaking. i called the dealer for an o ring and a gasket. i was told the part was only sold as a rebuilt assembly! so i made a gasket and sourced an o ring, cost 2.50 versus 750.00 for a rebuilt assembly.

[htchevyii]

I never did see the spring that is supposed to be there, but the brown Beck/Arnley rotor fits tightly without it, if anyone else runs into it. I must have six distributors, but they are all either older or newer.