This one should be almost a yes or no question - unlike most of my posts...

While changing plug wires yesterday, I noticed that the distributor cap has some 'wiggle room' - it's got the side clamps in place, but there's maybe 1/32 to 1/16 inch of wiggle between the disbtributor and cap.

So, the quick and easy question is... should it be that way, or is it worn out?

 

No harm or foul there. The movement between the cap, extender base, and the distributor housing has absolutely nothing to do with timing. The parts mentioned are all in the high tension side of the ignition coil, the secondary circuit. Ignition timing is in the primary side of the coil, movement there will affect timing. Distributor base to engine block.

 

I tried to move mine and it didn't move any.

 

Maybe I should open it up and investigate. If nothing else just to clean things out and check condition in there. Hopefully this is a quick and easy, not another ongoing can of worms like I usually end up with!

One evening this week I'll give her a look just to be sure.