2100V Distributor Oil Leak

[Zzzzz5]

1999 2100V, Mercruiser 350 Magnum.

Noticed some oil on top of the forward part of the engine. There seems to be a small oil leak coming from the base of the distributor. Is a gasket (part #13 in this drawing) all that I need to fix it?

Can I do this without re-timing it?

It is a small enough leak (not noticeable on dipstick, no oil in the bilge) that I don't really feel like messing with it until the end of the season; if it's gonna be more than a 1 hour project.

[h2o-ski]

Short answer, yes it can be done without retiming, although it does make it easier.

Without retiming, mark a line on the distributor base and on the engine block for alignment. Then pull the cap off and take pictures of the rotor location. Loosen the hold down and slide it out of the way. Remove the distributor (as a note, the rotor will turn as you pull it out due to the helical gears). While you have the distributor, check the gear for wear. Replace the gasket and slide the distributor back in, making sure that the base and rotor match back up.

Putting the engine at TDC means that you have the rotor point at cylinder #1 when you are done.

[boatwakes]

You'll have to re-time it anytime you pull the distributor and it will take a DTC to do it correctly. You'll get pretty close with the above method but plan on resetting the timing. Also, you can use Fel pro part 70194 available at local auto parts stores. Be sure to clean all the old material away from both the base of the distributor and intake manifold mating areas.