msd 8594 distributor side clearance

[wrench87]

does anyone have a msd #8594 ford fe distributor?, if so could you see if it has any side clearance where the shaft exits the aluminum body. i want to check before i go any further with this distributor. thanks steve

[Rick Parker]

You need to explain in more detail.???

[wrench87]

as you know msd uses a bearing at the top side of the distributor and at the bottom of the distributor it is just aluminum, i have .006 side clearance i can move the shaft above the collar side to side in the bottom of the aluminum housing. msd said it is normal to have side clearance because when the dis goes into the block and into the pump shaft it will be fine. i dont trust msd. comp cams it all depends who you talk to. if some one who has the same distributor with the same clearance i will proceed to install the new cam gear.
thanks steve

[Rick Parker]

Yes there will be some axial movement in the shaft at the bottom. It is supported by the hole in the block under the gear.

[FWB]

yeah, i remember having a few thou' movement when i changed my gear on mine too. i figured when everything gets hot it'll get tight, or even looser, i didn't pay too much mind to it. i figured the factory dizzy only has one bushing and they worked fine.

Fred