OK, where the distributor/oil pump drive intermediate shaft has the gear that's driven off the cam. That shaft and gear ride in a bushing in the back of the block. Now, when the distributor is placed over the top of the intermediate shaft it has a drive tang that engages the intermediate shaft above the gear. There has to some end play in this assembly, otherwise it would bind the shaft. In the photo I have a 0.015 feeler gauge in the distributor end of the shaft, measuring that end play. If I don't have that gasket/shim between the distributor body and the block then the end play is zero. So I think I need that gasket/shim in there. My question is whether that gasket/shim is re-usable or whether I should be looking for a new one?
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