I pulled my MSD distributor and the one gasket looked like it should be replaced. It's the bigger gasket in the pic, not the "O" ring. Do i even need this gasket, and if so does anyone know where i can find one?

Thnx

 

There's no such thing as an Olds distributor gasket.

I have no idea what that thing is.

- Eric

 

The "gasket" is the O-ring that is also visible in your photo. The other thing was added by someone and should not have been used. Yet another example of our Chevy-centric world.

 

Echo.. Yea and it might totally screw up the mesh between the cam and distributor gear.

I think I've purchased "complete" gaskets kits before that include that gasket. Totally agree, that's not needed. That's what the O ring is for.

 

only way that foreign upper o ring would make sense is if there was a groove on the diz and it still wouldnt make sense

 

Thnx for the replies guys

 

That gasket is in all gasket kits. The "O"ring comes in the lit also.
I use it all the time. I cut it down to fit in the grove in the block. If you ever look down the hole of the block, the pad for the gear sometimes is galled. Also on the gear itself sometimes. So I use that gasket to add clearance. I mock up a block one time and installed the dizzy with out a cam installed and clamp it down and the dizzy would not turn, so I use the gasket to get the clearance. Never have had a problem of wear on the cam or gear. Also makes sure no oil leaks there. But that's just me.

Gene

 

I had a distributor made up for me by DUI and when I put it in my 455 it bottomed out and screeched when tightened up. I had to make a thin nylon gasket to shim it up a bit. Works fine now.