Camshaft wear affecting ignition rotor?

[Franconia91438]

So on Wednesday I broke down on the way to work, turned out my ignition rotor fragged, bounced around in the cap and broke a few of the posts off. $80 later and I'm back on the road. However, my boss (I work at an independent repair shop) brought up that this could be a sign of camshaft wear resulting in the rotor spinning all cattywampus and knocking posts. I removed and inspected the cap today (~ 50 miles since repair) and noted no indication of rotor striking posts. Has anyone heard of or experienced camshaft wear causing distributor issues?

[digger]

ive seen bad scoring but not enough to cause alot of radial play

[MR 325]

I'd have to agree that it's not very likely. The parts were probably very very old and worn. People often neglect to replace the can and rotor, even enthusiasts here on R3V.

[jlevie]

There would have to be a lot of play in the cam shaft bearings/journals for that to happen.

[SpecM]

I agree with Matt and Jim

If the camshaft had enough play to cause the rotor to bounce like that, you would be hearing a LOT of noise and have several other issues. It probably wouldn't run.

[Cabriolet]

the only time i've seen this happen is when part #10 was missing after an idiot mechanic worked on my car.


maybe the rotor came loose and struck the cap?

[TobyB]

... and with that much play, I'd think that oil would be making a bid for freedom, too...

1990 with 160k: original cap, rotor, wires, and it ran well.

t

[MR 325]

the only time i've seen this happen is when part #10 was missing after an idiot mechanic worked on my car.

Haha! I've seen that on a couple cars. "Hmm why is this gap here?"

[Franconia91438]

I blame worn distributor components. I inspected a second time and still no damage. Thanks for the input everyone!