I recently replaced the distributor in my Ford F-150 400eng. with a rebuilt from the local parts store. I have poor eyesight, and could not read the timing marks real well, so I timed it "by ear". The other day a friend came to visit from out of town. He's a retired mechanic. I told him the old truck still had a miss. He said he would set the timing for me using the timing light. He took off the distributor cap and immediately said there is supposed to be a felt thing in the center of the shaft, under the rotor. He said it's not there.
I know what he means, I have seen them in other distributors. I always thought they were there for lubrication of the shaft, but he said the real reason they are there is to prevent a spark from popping thru the rotor and shooting down the shaft hole. I thought he was "pulling my leg", and laughed. He said he is serious....
I trust this guy, and he was a very good mechanic. But this sounds real weird. Is this for real, or is he really pulling my leg?
In the meantime, the parts store said they dont sell them separately, and do not know how to get them.....
Anyone?
Thanks
5000HP