H.E.I. Conversion simple question

[85AmCfreak]

Hey guys hope this is in the correct spot. The wife's sx-4 actually was converted to H.E.I. before we got it. But I don't think it was a new distributor P/o was a penny pincher. I ordered one new but I have to replace the Chevy 250 gear that is on the dist. I already ordered a new gear for an 85 Jeep 360. I just need to know whether I need to use the two shim washers pictured hear with the gear?  I am trying to get this gear switch done before 2 Pm today, considering its raining right now here in N.Y. and I have use of a shop after 4 pm. Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.

[doc65]

the combination of these shims/washers and the ones that are already on the new dizzy will depend on the tolerances between the gear & the distributor.  On a new one I'd suspect that you will not be using all of them, but you should still wind up with 1 between the gear & the housing

[shaggimo]

I would say yes, those washers keep the gear from "walking up" into the housing of the distributor and causing damage.  As doc said may not need both.

[85AmCfreak]

But the shim washer is really particular to the distributor and not the gear correct?

[doc65]

Not really, the shaft size is the same, so either would work, you just need a shim/washer to keep the gear from eating the aluminum housing, the you want enough shim to fill most of the space so that there isn't a lot of up & down play in the shaft otherwise you can get some fluctuation in your timing, though how much is arguable...

[85AmCfreak]

Ah I see what you are talking about  I just took a closer look at the new dist. and I can see the shim now, thanks so much for the info guys. I don't know what I would do without ya guys.