Slant Six Forum :: Electronic distributor clicking noise

If you have a metal drive pinion, replace it but soon with the correct nylon pinion. Procedure here.

Why? Because if the distributor seizes (rotor hits cap, or whatever other cause), a nylon drive pinion will shear/break. The engine will stop, and stay stopped until the distributor is repaired or replaced.

A metal drive pinion will trash the cam worm. The engine will stop, and stay stopped until the distributor is repaired or replaced, the camshaft and lifters are replaced, and maybe you'll be lookin' at an oil pump, too. Or even more extensive rebuild work, depending on how fast the engine was running when the distributor locked up and how bad the carnage is.

Also, make sure your distributor has the correct upper and lower rubber O-rings installed; see here.

Author:	Thebearded1 [ Wed Jul 01, 2026 12:18 pm ]
Post subject:	Electronic distributor clicking noise
I have a 1971 225 slant six that is in a hot rod I built. I recently purchased a WAI DST 3690 electronic distributor from O Reilly Auto Parts. Got it installed and running but noticed this strange clicking sound that only goes away if I push the distributor towards the block. The idle seems to smooth out as well when I apply pressure to the distributor. I did not see anything rubbing inside the cap. Below is a video of me trying it with the tan cap from my points distributor. https://youtube.com/shorts/QwoRa4UGHMo?feature=share This video is with the new original cap to that distributor. First I push up on the vac advance and then against the cap. https://youtube.com/shorts/tY6pb0Xcx0s?feature=share It's not the cap that is loose and just rattling. The original points distributor has a plastic gear. The new electronic distributor has a metal gear. Let me know what other information may be helpful. Thanks Gene

Author:	Rick Covalt [ Wed Jul 01, 2026 1:18 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Electronic distributor clicking noise
Does it look like the terminals inside are ground way off center? It definitely improves when you move the cap .

Author:	SlantSixDan [ Wed Jul 01, 2026 1:24 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Electronic distributor clicking noise
Yeah, check for evidence of the rotor hitting the cap contacts. Read and follow the suggestions in this long (but worthwhile) thread.

Author:	Thebearded1 [ Wed Jul 01, 2026 1:40 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Electronic distributor clicking noise
@Rick Covalt and @SlantSixDan Before seeing your replies I bent the hold down plate slightly to align the distributor closer to the block when tightened down and that seemed to fix it. The sound is gone, I can't feel any vibration on the cap or distributor and the car idles a lot smoother now. I will definitely check over that thread and make sure there isn't any contact between the rotor and cap. It looked clean and didn't notice any scaring on the cap or terminals or on the rotor tip. Maybe the slight misalignment was not allowing the gear to mesh properly?

Author:	Rick Covalt [ Wed Jul 01, 2026 2:03 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Electronic distributor clicking noise
Really surprised it has a metal gear? I'd probably install a plastic one to be a little easier on the cam. Although you may be perfectly fine too.

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Electronic distributor clicking noise https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=68689	Page 1 of 1

Author:	SlantSixDan [ Thu Jul 02, 2026 1:38 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Electronic distributor clicking noise
If you have a metal drive pinion, replace it but soon with the correct nylon pinion. Procedure here. Why? Because if the distributor seizes (rotor hits cap, or whatever other cause), a nylon drive pinion will shear/break. The engine will stop, and stay stopped until the distributor is repaired or replaced. A metal drive pinion will trash the cam worm. The engine will stop, and stay stopped until the distributor is repaired or replaced, the camshaft and lifters are replaced, and maybe you'll be lookin' at an oil pump, too. Or even more extensive rebuild work, depending on how fast the engine was running when the distributor locked up and how bad the carnage is. Also, make sure your distributor has the correct upper and lower rubber O-rings installed; see here.

Author:	Thebearded1 [ Fri Jul 03, 2026 2:41 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Electronic distributor clicking noise
Thanks yall! Looks like I have a project for this weekend now. I'd much rather go with a messed up gear versus messing everything else up!

Author:	Thebearded1 [ Fri Jul 03, 2026 3:14 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Electronic distributor clicking noise
Quote: If you have a metal drive pinion, replace it but soon with the correct nylon pinion. Procedure here. Why? Because if the distributor seizes (rotor hits cap, or whatever other cause), a nylon drive pinion will shear/break. The engine will stop, and stay stopped until the distributor is repaired or replaced. A metal drive pinion will trash the cam worm. The engine will stop, and stay stopped until the distributor is repaired or replaced, the camshaft and lifters are replaced, and maybe you'll be lookin' at an oil pump, too. Or even more extensive rebuild work, depending on how fast the engine was running when the distributor locked up and how bad the carnage is. Also, make sure your distributor has the correct upper and lower rubber O-rings installed; see here. I'm having trouble finding where to buy a new nylon gear. Would it be fine if I used the one off of the points distributor I have?

Author:	Thebearded1 [ Fri Jul 03, 2026 3:45 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Electronic distributor clicking noise
Found one on eBay but it likely won't be here till after next weekend when I have my race. So I may attempt to switch over the nylon gear still.

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