Hi Everyone, dad and I are starting on our latest project, a 1971 6217 maintenance truck! Overall the truck is in good condition, just needs alot of TLC everywhere, years of no maintenance.

The current project is to figure out why the 230 I6 idles rough, and seems to be down on power. Possibly 1-2 cylinders are not firing.

Step 1: Compression check, all cylinders are above 120psi, which should be plenty to run.
Step 2: Pulled the valve cover, cam lobes and rockers are in good working order.
Step 3: Spark plug wire continuity check, all wires have good contact
Step 4: Investigate distributor

This is where we need some help on the distributor. The top section of the distributor seems loose, and rotates slightly from the hold-down section of the base. Wouldn't this allow the timing to dart around?

Thanks in advance to any help you can provide!