Distributor Not Turning

If you replaced one or both dizzy gears that could be the issue. Need to be a matched set. I'd get one from Bulltear since they know AMC engines better than most and don't just sell whatever is on the market.

As long as the passages in the big timing gear line up with the oil passage on the cam (sometimes they don't, or there is casting flash in the groove on the timing gear) you should be fine as far as oiling. No oil line or hole in the plug behind the gear is necessary. Won't hurt if it makes you feel better... as long as line/hole aren't too big, could reduce overall oil pressure then. The stock oiling system should be fine, but as stated, the grooves in the timing gear don't always line up. Not sure if the cam companies or timing gear manufacturer aren't putting them in the right place, but easy to fix with a grinder.

You are absolutely right, it does not matter at this point what happens with distributor orientation! Yes, I feel a bit stupid.....

As for buying the new gear a year after the engine build, it does make one wonder. I would take off the timing cover and replace both gears and at the same time check the oiling passages. Also, there have been issues with new timing covers that may have contributed, so that is worth a look also.

Chris

Well I got the dizzy out tonight and it doesn't look pretty. First off it "did" have a brass gear..... which is quite destroyed as you can see in the pictures.. My next problem is that I have a CSR electric water pump which also serves as the timing chain cover and it is being a female canine to get off.... I have all the bolts out but the damn thing is really glued on with sealant. Probably need to pull the radiator - tomorrow - to get some room to work and try to pry it off .... I'm afraid what I am going to find when I do...

The problem may just be a non-matched set of gears, but could very well be alignment of the timing cover. The cover aligns the dizzy to the cam gear, so if it's off it will continually chew up gears. The idea behind the bronze gear is it will "wear into" the cam gear. But it often doesn't. The problem is it's not easy to check gear alignment. Bulltear has a jig they use to check replacement timing covers, but I don't know how you could do it at home. Might be a way, maybe someone who knows can chime in. You might contact Bulltear and see if you could send it to them for checking, how much it would cost if they are willing.

I hear you on the washed out, expensive cruise seasons! You know, you could just pick up a timing chain cover, bag the electric water pump, replace the distributor gear and go enjoy the car. Plan for a tear down in the fall, buy the parts now and then enjoy the car for the summer.

I would definitely have that water pump cover checked, that may be your issue. It is basically either that or the oiling channels that are killing gears in your engine.

Good luck!

Chris