Beware of Zip Ties on your Distributor!

[saopm]

Looks like Merc saved a few bucks and cost me hundreds as today I replaced two distributors. The problem is that the Merc distributor is made of plastic and the tabs that hold down the cap split causing the screws to come out. Unfortunately this left me limping home on one engine on Sunday. I guess I should have known better because I noticed the zip ties on my distributors but never thought to investigate. I figured it was holding some wires in place rather the holding the distributor together. In any event I opted not to replace the distributors with $500 (each) Merc parts. Instead I picked up Mallory units with an aluminum base for $300. Just thought I'd give you guys a heads up.

 

[Rockyranch]

Common problem with GM engines as plastic is used where aluminum should be.

 

[Maritime Matt]

Even on marine distributors. Happened to me on my 98 Chevy Silverado 5.7 Bought a Napa replacement cap and it came with New screws with Locktite on them. I put one in and it stripped/cracked the plastic housing. Googled problem and the fix was to remove locktite or use old screws. Now it has cable ties holding it down.