Mercruiser 165 Broken rotor?

[Crifasinator]

Hi all,
I am new to boating and to posted up an intro in the general forum. My last trip out the rotor in the distributor broke the metal arm that contacts the cap. It seems strange the cap and rotor had been replaced by the PO and looked almost new. I noticed the cap doesn't mate to the distributor well and rocks on top a bit. It had left us stranded so I bought two new rotors and a new cap. is there anything I should look for that would've caused it or was this just a rare problem? I need to put the new cap on still hopefully it will fit more snug. I'll report back. Thanks
Anthony

 

[spareparts]

make sure you push the rotor all the way down, it takes a little effort. Does it still have points?

 

[aussie]

is the shaft in the distributor worn--- check you don't have too much end play and that you are getting the correct cap and rotor.-- also if the cap is not locking down sounds like the cap may be moving with vibration and hitting the rotor

 

[Crifasinator]

Yes it still has points. the new cap fit snug and it seems as it shouldn't be a problem anymore

 

[spareparts]

Check into s pertronix electronic ignition conversion. You'll thank me later

 

[Crifasinator]

I knew about these back from when I had a old 72 datsun 240Z and always wanted to get one for that..... well I just ordered one with a coil for about 120$ shipped.
Thanks for the idea.