I'm replacing my 216 Dist.Gear Pin(and steel gear) and can only locate the steel split pin type and not the solid pin.Are they strong enough to hold the gear under load?

Roll pins are very strong. Not much of a load driving a 216 oil pump and turning the distrib. I'd go with it. In fact the V8 Chevy distribs use them.

Thanks Mike. And I now know the correct terminology is "rolled" or "roll" pin.

You're welcome Drew. Roll pin is the correct name. They're quite hard as compared to a solid pin which usually gets slightly peened or is serrated on the ends to keep it in place. The trick with a roll pin is it needs to be a slightly tight fit and has to be tapped into the hole. The pin will squeeze together as it passes into the hole and the tension then holds it snugly in place. Think of it as a tubular spring if that makes any sense.