2004 4.4l mpi distributor issue

[Josh28161]

I replaced the distributor cap on my twin 4.3 motors and on my starboard engine apparently who had ever replaced the distributor last over tighten the screw and cracked the mounting bracket. When I went to remove one of the two mounting screws, I found it was missing. I was able to use zip ties to secure it but I am now afraid that I am going to have to replace the distributor to fix this problem. I have no idea why Mercruiser would have used a plastic base on this distributor. Has anyone come up with any kind of solution to fix this other than a distributor replacement?

 

[Coz]

Did it just crack or actually break off?

 

[Lazy Daze]

You may be overthinking this. Take a step back and think about it this way... for however long you've owned the boat, you've been running it without one of the screws, right? And it's been running fine? I'm not saying this is an "ideal" situation, but adding that zip tie is an improvement on something that was already doing fine. Put a second tie on it for good measure and go boating.

Plastic doesn't corrode - and if installed properly, it's generally a non issue.

 

[Ovmman]

Josh , common problem with that distributor. Forgot the name of the company , just google broken 4.3 distributor,but they make a metal ring that fits perfectly under the distributor and allows you to screw cap to it. Bought one to use in a pinch for a couple of days,4 years later I’m still promising myself to get a new distributor

 

[Josh28161]

You may be overthinking this. Take a step back and think about it this way... for however long you've owned the boat, you've been running it without one of the screws, right? And it's been running fine? I'm not saying this is an "ideal" situation, but adding that zip tie is an improvement on something that was already doing fine. Put a second tie on it for good measure and go boating.

Plastic doesn't corrode - and if installed properly, it's generally a non issue.

Good point. Not ideal but the zipties do seem to work.

 

[Josh28161]

It broke off.

Did it just crack or actually break off?[

Josh , common problem with that distributor. Forgot the name of the company , just google broken 4.3 distributor,but they make a metal ring that fits perfectly under the distributor and allows you to screw cap to it. Bought one to use in a pinch for a couple of days,4 years later I’m still promising myself to get a new distributor

 

[Josh28161]

Josh , common problem with that distributor. Forgot the name of the company , just google broken 4.3 distributor,but they make a metal ring that fits perfectly under the distributor and allows you to screw cap to it. Bought one to use in a pinch for a couple of days,4 years later I’m still promising myself to get a new distributor

Thank you!!! I love this forum. Found the plate. Much less expensive and work than a distributor replacement. Here is the link from Amazon in case anyone else ever needs this. https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-90449...istributor+repair+plate&qid=1627225916&sr=8-1