I have a 4age. The distributor leaks oil through the interior seal. The engine runs OK, but the oil is a mess on the engine. I have another dist., which is dry internally- i.e. I don't see any oil residue in it. I tried it on the engine, and the engine wouldn't run. The only joy I got was just as I released the key there would be a little POP of firing. I don't know how to trouble shoot the distributor, or if it's even worth it. EBAY list new ones for about $75, I think. What's the consensus?

I would just replace the seal on the known good distributor. Dave W7

You can buy seal kits to replace that inner seal. I think Matrix Garage has a set, and there's at least one other brand out there too.

Edit:
http://www.matrixgarage.com/content/16- ... or-rebuild

If you are using OEM camshafts, make sure you can see the dimple in the intake
cam thru the oil filler when you set the engine to TDC on the compression stroke.
If you happen to have set it to TDC on the exhaust stroke, then your timing will
be 180deg out.

Cheers... jondee86

Do you have the FSM? It has some testing procedures for the dist.

pages IG-8 - IG-11

Check resistance of dist generator regulator (pick-up coil)it should be approx 160 ohms. Your dist should have 2 2-wire plugs, a "G" signal plug, and "NE" signal plug - EACH should be between 140 and 180 ohms. You measure between the 2 wires inside each plug.

Check that the air gaps for each rotor are between .008"-.016" (.2mm-.4mm)