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[zimmy]

Recently got engine back from the machine shop for my 65-66 TR4A. According to the shop manual, I need to set the proper dist gear end play when re-assembling. It states that I should put a washer under the gear extension, put pedestal in place and then measure the gap under the pedestal. Then do the math and determine how many packing washers to use under the pedestal. As it turns out, the gap I have is over the spec without any washer under the gear. Do I just go ahead and assemble without any packing washer or is something probably wrong??

[TR3driver]

Sorry for the late reply, Corey, I just saw your post.  My experience has been that most engines have more than the factory-specified play in this location, and for the most part it doesn't seem to make any difference.  In theory, the gear could walk up and down within the clearance and change the ignition timing, but in practice the action of the gears and gravity tend to pull it down against the bottom and so it's only important that there be some clearance there.

If you do want to get the clearance down to the factory spec, there is a large brass bushing underneath the gear that will probably have to be replaced.  TRF has them listed as P/N 56405 (for $73.50).