47-55.1 mallory distributor

[nvrdone]

I am running a Mallory dual point distributor. I have some oil seeping around the base where it mounts on the intake on a 327. Is there a gasket that goes between the distributor and the manifold? I cant seem to find any info. Thanks

[Getter-Done]

Yes.

Here is an example of one,
The seller does not have a great rating.

You can get these at the box stores also.

Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/26508283440...9195aeb10d9f40

[mr48chev]

You should be able to get one at any local parts house. I don't know what you have for parts places in Moxee but the O'Reilly's on east Nob Hill should have it. Or if you have some old SBC gasket sets check to see if one is in the set as they normally come with the overhaul or intake sets.

[nvrdone]

My go to is Napa in Union Gap. I will most likely stop there tomorrow.
I've got a serious oil leak on the rear of the engine.
First step, replace the dist gasket. 2nd step remove the oil pressure gauge line & plug that. And 3rd - the one I hate to think about is pull the intake manifold and replace the gasket.

[dsraven]

buy an ispection mirror
brake clean the area
blow it off dry
wrap a dry rag around the oilpresure sender and line if there is one
start it for a minute and shut it off
take the inspection mirror and see where the leak is. remove the rag and check it for any oil leakage

oil sender or line is a common one
use the mirror to look for a void in the silicone sealer or the rubber seal that has been spit out of place

https://www.mactools.ca/products/mhtk2
you may find an illuminated one if you dig deeper, the link is just for reference

[mr48chev]

I used to stop at that Napa in Union Gap a lot back when it was Gap Auto Parts. Good people who know their parts in there.

As far as cleaning the engine I'd get me a can of WD-40, roll of paper towels. screw driver (to dry out the distributor if it gets wet inside) a pocket full of quarters and head to the spray wand car wash and wash the whole engine compartment. Cruise home and get that inspection mirror and a light out and start looking. I'd probably do it before I pulled the distributor.

[dsraven]

valve cover gaskets are another common leak spot
sometimes a pipe adapter has been used to place the oil sender at a better angle for clearance and vibration can cause it to crack or the extended reach can aplify the vibrations and cause the actual sender to leak internally. I recommend to thoroughly clean the area, dry it then check for any obvious damp spots that may show up, missing or displaced gaskets, loose or missing bolts, etc. then, if all seems good, wrap a clean rag around the oil sender and oil line if applicable, run it for a brief period and shut it off. then check the area for leaks or damp spots and pull the rag to check for oil it may have caught from a sender leak. if nothing shows then redo the rag and run it again until you find something. sometimes looking up from the rear, transmission end, can help show up a problem.

[dsraven]

for sure find the leak before you pull the distributor, otherwise you may need to pull the distributor again due to a leak thats not the base gasket's fault. plus you add another element of change into the mix if you do that.

[leegreen]

I have inspection mirror and one of these snake cameras for my phone. I reach for the camera at least as often as the mirror. I'd buy another same day if something happened to the one I have. $30 well spent.

Resolution and focal length matters. 10+ feet of cable is way more than needed for automotive, arms length plus an extension would be way more convenient if you can find a shorter version.

https://www.amazon.ca/Seesi-Endoscop...dp/B07PBF6DX5/

[nvrdone]

All good ideas guys. Thanks for the ideas. I have to wait until after Christmas as the truck will be all decorated with lights.

[mr48chev]

That is a good excuse as I could come up with.