Distributor Shaft Seal? Opinions On My Problem?

Terrorist 5.0

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Hi everyone, I am currently rebuilding my OEM distributor (putting in new PIP sensor) and run into a little problem. The seal on the distributor shaft that is on the bottom of the housing has absolutely crumbled to dust.

I imagine finding one is hard, but if I can’t I am probably going to order a distributor from a parts store, take the seal, and return it. I prefer not to do this so I am here to ask, does anyone know where I can get this seal? Some people say SKF5321, some people say you don’t need it, etc…

Secondly, you may ask why I am replacing my PIP sensor. Big thanks to ttocs for responding to my PM about this and another problem that I felt didn’t really need a post.

I took my car for a spin the other day and did a pull. I got some pinging and at 5K, the car started breaking up pretty bad and the tach started jumping around. I figured this had to be the PIP sensor, since it is the cam/crank sensor in these engines. It is the only sensor that measures RPM to my knowledge. I had this breaking up during normal driving too for a second the day before, hence why I now have my distributor apart. The only code I got was 212, which is pretty vague on its description. It seems to have left a lot of people scratching their heads in the past.

Can I run without this seal? Any suggestions for stuff to look out for while I have the distributor apart? Any opinions on my problem? I don’t have a scope or fuel pressure tester, so that takes away some valuable diagnostic information. I am fairly confident the PIP sensor will fix this, but even I can admit, this is just an educated guess.
 
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Terrorist 5.0

Terrorist 5.0

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Oreillys has the o ring
The seal I am talking about is not the ring that seals the distributor to the block. It is the shaft seal. It has a spring in it to maintain tension on the shaft, similar to a front/rear main seal. I have a new distributor to block seal though.
 

ttocs

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napa is my goto for stuff like that. The big box stores seem nice but I noticed my guys at napa are car guys and some have been there 10 years and know what they are talking about, what they can get and what you should use. I also own stock in it, it pays a great dividend so I don't feel as bad spending money there.....
 
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Terrorist 5.0

Terrorist 5.0

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I have checked Napa as well as local parts stores along with Canadian SKF suppliers and nobody has seal SKF5321 (supposedly this is the seal I need according to some old forum posts). Nobody even has a distributor in stock if I wanted to steal the seal off that.

I am considering running without the seal as it would just let more oil in for better lubrication, but then again there must be a reason for that seal.
 

RAU03MACH

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i do have a distributor that has roller bearings on the shaft inside
for a b block 429 nascar set up Mallary
a classic electronic with triggers pick ups
its kit
those are unique distributor
 
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Terrorist 5.0

Terrorist 5.0

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i have taken many ford distributor's apart i only know of 1 seal on the base
i would need to look at it
Supposedly only SN95 distributors had it, not Foxbody or truck distributors. I think I am going to run without it and report back on what happens.
 
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Terrorist 5.0

Terrorist 5.0

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is this something we can find here in the states easy but is unobtanium over there? If so let me know and I will get it and ship it to ya.
Appreciate you, but I put the distributor together without the seal. We will see how it holds up.
 

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