I have a 1971 225 slant six that is in a hot rod I built. I recently purchased a WAI DST 3690 electronic distributor from O Reilly Auto Parts. Got it installed and running but noticed this strange clicking sound that only goes away if I push the distributor towards the block. The idle seems to smooth out as well when I apply pressure to the distributor. I did not see anything rubbing inside the cap.

Below is a video of me trying it with the tan cap from my points distributor.

https://youtube.com/shorts/QwoRa4UGHMo?feature=share

This video is with the new original cap to that distributor. First I push up on the vac advance and then against the cap.

https://youtube.com/shorts/tY6pb0Xcx0s?feature=share

It's not the cap that is loose and just rattling. The original points distributor has a plastic gear. The new electronic distributor has a metal gear.

Let me know what other information may be helpful.

Thanks
Gene

Does it look like the terminals inside are ground way off center? It definitely improves when you move the cap .

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2 Mopars come with Spark plug tubes. One is a world class, racing machine. The other is a 426 CI. boat anchor!

12.70 @ 104.6

Yeah, check for evidence of the rotor hitting the cap contacts. Read and follow the suggestions in this long (but worthwhile) thread.

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@Rick Covalt and @SlantSixDan

Before seeing your replies I bent the hold down plate slightly to align the distributor closer to the block when tightened down and that seemed to fix it. The sound is gone, I can't feel any vibration on the cap or distributor and the car idles a lot smoother now. I will definitely check over that thread and make sure there isn't any contact between the rotor and cap. It looked clean and didn't notice any scaring on the cap or terminals or on the rotor tip. Maybe the slight misalignment was not allowing the gear to mesh properly?

Really surprised it has a metal gear? I'd probably install a plastic one to be a little easier on the cam. Although you may be perfectly fine too.

_________________
2 Mopars come with Spark plug tubes. One is a world class, racing machine. The other is a 426 CI. boat anchor!

12.70 @ 104.6