Rattling distributor/drive spindle

[ferret76]

G'day All,

My distributor is rattling when accelerating, producing a constant click/rattle when driving and then rattles during deceleration. The noise is audible through the block near where the spindle contacts the camshaft but appears to be loudest where the distributor fits into the block. I'm thinking a worn spindle shaft, is this something any one else has come across? Is there anything else I should be checking for when I remove the distributor?
Otherwise the car runs beautifully, timing seems to be intact.

[bmcecosse]

Not heard of that before....perhaps the cam shaft has excessive end float? It may be worthwhile pulling the dizzy and shaft for inspection - and check the cam end float - which you may be able to do 'down the hole' but probably need to drop off the front cover. Maybe it's timing chain clatter being transmitted along the cam and into the dizzy .

[mike.perry]

Check the dizzy for free play at the rotor arm

[kennatt]

had exactly the same on an MGB,similar spindle drive. Swapped the spindle cured the problem,I think its rare but suppose the drive had worn. Never heard anyone else with the same problem here or on MG forum.But worth a swap ,if you can find one

[ferret76]

Cheers all for your replies. I have a spindle winging it's way from the UK.

[philthehill]

I am not surprised that the distributer spindle wears. The ones that I have were so out of balance that when placed on knife edges they would roll the heavy side to the bottom.
This is my solution to the problem:-[frame][/frame]

[panky]

Very nice, must be great to have a lathe

[philthehill]

The drive shaft is hardened so a lathe is virtually useless when undertaking this job. The excess had to be ground off.

[bmcecosse]

The offset slot is bound to make it out of balance - but it's v small diameter and running at half engine speed...... I seem to remember it has to be modified like that for an 8 port head.....