Distributor Drive and ZDDP

Took the distributor out of my AMX's 401 and found this:

Been running Mobil 1 10W30 synthetic, wondering if a ZDDP additive would have prevented this.

-Steve-

I verified the oiling by using a modified timing cover and running the oil pump with a drill. I'm certain there was no problem there.

Funny thing, every time I came back from racing the car wouldn't idle right. Noticed the timing had retarded a bit so I'd bump it back up. Clearly this is due to the wearing distributor gear. Appears this problem was accelerated by high-rpm use at the track.

I'm going to see my engine builder this afternoon and see if he's got some insight.

-Steve-

Obvious question(s), what Distributor and what brand of gears ? OEM AMC ?

There is no root wear and the worn area is were it would be expected, a lot of it mind you.

You can see were the cam gear must be sitting by the curve and it's slightly high but well within tolerance for acceleration.

The most wear seems to be on the "acceleration face" of the gear.

You can also see deceleration wear but more so at the bottom of the gear so the end play of the distributor is a bit excessive.

The gear is either not getting enough lubrication or just plane worn out from abuse.

From Steve's description of use I'd tend to think it's abuse. The ZDDP of the oil is adequate for street use. This use I would think needs a race oil and that may have helped some.

Steve, how does the cam and lifters look. I'd pull a cover, couple of lifters out to have a look. Just to ensure your OK there.