Can someone answer a question for me about "shimming" the Distributor on a 1970 442? In the factory Oldsmobile Parts & Illustration Catalog, it shows there should be a "Washer" installed between the bottom face of the Aluminum Distributor Housing and the top of the Drive Gear.......however...... in many photos I have seen, it looks like there is no Washer installed in this area. I'm sure some have chosen to possibly "leave out" the Washer, when re-installing the Gear, but some of the Used Distributors I've seen (i.e., that appear to possibly be original) don't look like they have a Washer installed on them?? Any idea which is correct???

 

I have three 1970 distributors, two from a 442. None has ever been disassembled. None has the washer (#23 on your BOM).

In the 1970 CSM, page 12-40, is a disassembled distributor diagram. There is no washer shown.

 

Thanks for the info. Gary.

 

You noticed a tiny washer in the picture, but not the oil tube (part #30) sticking out if the side?? That tube is for pre ‘60 or ‘61 engines

 

Since it was a factory Olds Parts Manual I figured the picture was basically generic.......i.e., as it fit many "different" years.....