Distributor riding up

[landsea]

Hi all, I've been chasing a problem for a while now. My stock distributor on my 69 280sl left me stranded with no spark. After a lot of nonsense, I finally realized that the whole distributor had actually rose up and out of its groove. Bent the clamp!  I figured its old and worn so I got the 123 tune distributor to cover some bases along with a new clamp.  Ultimately it did the same thing in a short amount of time, I had removed the spring before installing so was feeling confident.  I have a bad feeling the seating groove has damage and is forcing these distributors up like a screw.  I can't find any info on this problem or a fix. Appreciate any help.  Ken

[rwmastel]

Ken,

Welcome to the Group!  Are you new to using the Search feature on our forums?  Keep trying different terms, you're bound to find something.
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=30783.0

Do you understand all the components below the distributor that drive it?  Perhaps there is too much slop/play beneath it (in the washer, or eventhe gear), and the timing gear slams upward?  Just a guess.  Search for timing gear washer or similar.  Probably search the Drivetrain forum as well as electrical forum.

Any idea of actually miles on this engine?

[landsea]

Thanks, I have found a bit of info today searching, "distributor drive gear".  I would not be surprised if this is the problem. Now to learn how to replace it.

[rwmastel]

A new gear is extremely expensive. Hopefully it is not worn.  There is a bushing or washer on top of the gear that wears out.  I believe JA17 shimmed mine years ago.

But, like I said above, I don't know if this is the problem so I look forward to hearing the thoughts of others.