Noisy distributor

I've got a really noisy distributor. One person has commented that the combination of the odd fire and noisy dist makes it sound like a diesel at idle. I thought it was the timing chain for a while, but tonight I probed around and definitely feel slapping in the distributor, nowhere else. What are the common causes? I have read this post: http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32371&highlight=noisy+hei where it was suggested to just buy a rebuilt unit. Are there rebuild kits available? How difficult is it to do? I've never taken one apart, prolly cause it looks to me like too many small parts. I've done a couple carbs before with some success. Is it about the same?

Also, notice in the pic the two weights. They don't seem to be held on there with much. Just a pin on each one that slides into a hole. No c-clip or anything. The springs are there, and seem to be staying attached, but it seems to me they could flop around a little. Do these look right?

 

with the engine idling, take a long shanked screwdriver and place it on the timing cover; put your ear to the handle and listen.
do the same to the distributor, around the base might work.
notice any difference in sound ?
be careful while doing this, don't let the screwdriver slip off, hold it steady

 

Sparky, I replaced my whole distributor for $134 from NAPA. Remember, the OF with the
EF distributor. I used a setphiscope and was positive it was the distributor. Wrong! It's the timing chain.

 

Replacing or substituting your disributor is the only way you'll know.

 

Well, I bought a new timing chain from Mudweiser the other day (just noticed Sparky had one for sale, too). It'll be on standy until I get up enough moto.

I think you're right, Sparky, if it was the dist, it would be slapping a lot faster. The thing is, though, one of the weights has elongated the hole where the pin slides in that holds it in place. The spring tension is enought that it causes the weight to sit not so flat, and so the end of the weight sort of rides up and is chaffing the bottom of the rotor. Not enough that it is taking big gouges out or anything, just a little rubbin'. I'm thinkin that weight on plastic is exactly the sound I'm hearing. If the engine rotates twice for every one time the dist rotates, then idle would be about 325 ticks a minute. I think that is in the ballpark of the noise it's making.

I think I'll go buy or borrow a stethoscope tomorrow.

EDIT - I think that was some bad math.