Dummy Distributor?

[TheDeuce]

Hi all. I have an '85 6000 STE with the 2.8 MPFI engine in it, and I came across this thread http://www.a-body.net/forums/showthread.php?3991-3-1L-Bad-Oil-Leak-Top-of-Engine-Valley-Pan where someone discribed an oil leak and someone brought up a dummy distributor. I've had a bit of an oil leak for a little while and its coming from somewhere on the top. It figured it might be the valve cover gasket, but really can't see where it is leaking from. In the previously mentioned thread someone brought up a dummy distributor that has an o ring that can go bad and cause a leak. Can someone tell me where this is? If someone has a picture or a diagram that would be great as well. I'd like to check that because from the thread it sounds like its not too hard of a job, at least not as bad as a valve cover gasket. How does one go about replacing the o ring if it is the problem, step by step?

Also, just an aside, if it turns out that it could be the gasket, before going about replacing it, would it be worth just trying to see if snugging up the bolts around where the leak could be might fix it? Or is this just a bad idea all around?

[Duke George V]

I think your engine still has an actual distributor.

[TheDeuce]

My bad. Forget I even said anything

[86euro]

Yes, you have a distributor, but you still have the same o-ring that can leak;)

[TheDeuce]

Yes, you have a distributor, but you still have the same o-ring that can leak;)

OK. So how do I go about replacing it. And sorry, no crap it has a distributor. Not thinking, just semi-excited that I might find a way to stop getting b*tched at for staining up the driveway.

[86euro]

Remove the cap and wires, as well as unplug the electrical connectors from the distributor. Mark the position of the rotor in relation to the distributor body. Remove the retaining bolt and holding tab, then lift the distributor out, then replace the o-ring. Reinstall the distributor, making sure your marks line back up again, and the distributor is fully seated into the block. Reinstall holding tab and bolt, then the cap and wires, then plug everything back in. It may be a good idea to check the timing with a timing light, (they like to be set around 10* BTDC, but the factory calls for 6* or so).