Why does the distributor Move

[donkey]

My 97 TJ wrangler is running fine but I have noticed that the distributor move's when the motor run's it doesn't twist of corse just moves back and forth with the stroke of the motor any help would be great thanks

 

[Gennybro]

It makes sparks and goes round and round, you shouldn't fix it if it's not broke. You can get a clear distributor cap and watch the sparks, it's really cool, get a little dizzy watching it go round and round. But what a light show.

 

[donkey]

It's just kinda funny it rocks back and forth with the stroke of the motor from what I can tell everything is tight thinking it my have a bent shaft just not sure like I said still running fine just never seen one do that before

 

[Gennybro]

don't worry about it, I'm a bit of a wise ass at times, but if it's running ok F' it.

 

[steady.foot]

Yup. Bent shaft.

 

[Gennybro]

I have a hard time beliveing this.

 

[TrailRatedRN]

I have that coil pack thing in my TJ. Is that thing supposed to be changed when I change the spark plugs? Cause I didn't do it. It's an expensive mo fo.

 

[JohnnyO]

Ours was loose. I just had it replaced. 158,000 miles.

 

[superj]

I think if the shaft was bent, it would wiggle the whole time. Sounds like the bushings might be worn or the clamp is not seated properky and whenthe gear gets a little pressure from reving the engine, the housing is shifting a little

 

[donkey]

It does move the whole time the motor runs mabe an 1/8 of an inch from front to back makes a little popping noise I really haven't had a chance to put a wrench on it if I get it figured out I will repost thanks for the info

 

[superj]

ok, then yes, bent shaft.