1972 Cutlass 350. Decided to install a Pertronix Igniter III and after attempting to install the new grommet with it in the car I decided it'd be easier to get the distributor out of the car. I ended up breaking this plastic guide from the baseplate. Is it really needed? I assume it just keeps the wires away from the cam. Also broke the ground wire than ran from the vacuum advance screw to the baseplate. Can I just attach an spade terminal and use one of the points screws on the baseplate?


Is there an o-ring I need to replace? It looked like there was some sort of band on the distributor shaft but it looked pretty flat and was hard. I guess it could be just from age.

 

I can't say much about that nylon guide, other than that I've never seen one, which to me would indicate that they are both fragile and non-essential.

The ground wire is essential, and should be the same type of very thin, very flexible wire, or your car may stall intermittently.
BWD DL77 and AC-Delco C1203 are exact replacements.

The O-Ring is a standard part and should be available at any auto parts store. It's FelPro 424.

- Eric

 

Thanks!

 

That nylon guide holds a small piece of felt that wipes the cam
with grease if I remember right.

 

Ahh. Seeing as the Igniter III doesn't make contact I assume it's not needed any more.

 

Tru-blue 442 is right, there was a foam doughnut that went over the plastic piece to lube the cam. It was a replacable part that disintegrated over time.

 

You are correct.