Have a 1977 FJ40, 2009 Bought a HEI & it 'broke' after driving home from a head gasket redo (& machining and valve job) mech said it had too much play in it. Installed 2nd one 'broke',shaft gear was chewed up. So, I put back the OEM Distrib and it ran great, for months, until, just quit cruising down the road. Rotor not turning, removed cover to find the camshaft gear in three pieces. Taking off valve cover and inspection plate have determined camshaft is rotating freely, however the camshaft moves back and forth over a 1/16", more than the books spec. Is that bad is that causing the problem? Oh yea, we did not have a spring clip to remove when we took off, the 2/3's of the broken gear left, off of camshaft. It slipped off easy enough. Could a 'not clipped' gear breaking my Distribs? And, assuming it will help, I'm looking for a thrust plate. Along with new gears and related parts. Looking for thrust plate, will it help and any comments in general?
Thank You
John
520-921-0656