The distributor on my 81 911SC is vibrating. The tach is jumping all over the place at idle. It sounds like it's machining the gears! Is my distributor shot? Can I rebuild it? I've gotten prices ranging from $550 up to $900 for a new one. Is a used one worth the trouble? Sorry about all the questions, but I want to drive it 1000 miles for Thanksgiving and I don't need any problems @ 4:00 am when it's 30 degrees!

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Also, does anybody have an extra one sitting around, taking up space, that just desperately needs to go for a great price?

TODD
1981 911SC
Rosewood metallic/cork

 

I'd also be suspicious of the brass drive gear on the crank. That will be a real project if it needs replacing.

 

When I get time, I plan on removing the distributor and figuring out exactly what is making the grinding noise/vibration.

I didn't find much information about worn distributors when I did a search. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD EXPERIENCE WITH THIS PROBLEM?
Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.

TODD
1981 911SC
Rosewood metallic/cork