I'm not familiar with the OD starter. But do they not use Oilite bushings???? OR, at least modern replacement bushings that are Oilite??? Still put some lubriplate on them anyway as Owen suggests.

Car in question here was a 49 Custom 8 (see post 1).
I'm wondering how many other 49 custom 8 owners run points gap as close as .012".

49 Custom 8. Is that the 288 cid engine????
I have a 48 short wheel base chassis with 288 engine. Not driveable, just sets and starts well with points at .018".

So i'm wondering how may other 49 custom 8 owners run points gap at anything under .014".

No slop as u describe then distributor should be ok.

And in post #1 of this thread u indicate the plugs are "little sooty" and running rich.

Are they still sooty and running rich???

What is brand and number on plugs??

Need to check for distributor bushing wear.

Perform a road test:
When the enige begins to stuble thenn VIGOUROUSLY PUMP the accellerator pedal REAL FAST to see is that causes the stunble to disappear or get worse.

Loosen or remove gas cap and try again.

Also need to open up the points to .018.

At this point i will not go into alot of detail.
I've had a similar problem with a 2.0 Ford 4cyl. It turned out to be somekind of a wax or parafin building on the EXH valves on the TAPPEt side of the valve stem.

I wuit running the convenient local Marathon and (by sheer hapenstance) began to run Shell. Problem 90 % solved in less than 3 tank fulls.

Again i'm leaving out alot of detail and direct analysis and actual cleaning of the valves with a wire brush that took place over a period of about 4 years that this sticking exh valve problem had existed and only got WORSE over the 4 years.

Thanks for the pic.

What about PRICE differences.
As in a '$'with numbers.

Yes. Would like to see pic of the umbrella seal used on exhaust.