If the problem with the inline 250 distributor gears has been happening for only the last 10 or 15 years then its probably due to the quality of the oil. there have been a lot of flat tappet Cam failures in the last decade especially on high performance engines and that is becaues of changes in the oil additives. Insuring that one has enough of the additives in the oil usually eliminates those kinds of problems in the high pressure points in the engines. A reduction in the Zinc and phosphorus additives mandated by the EPA due to "Environmmental Issues" in the oils makes less able to deal with the sliding pressure points like flat tappet lifters and thoes gears on the distributor. That causes metal to metal contact and wears them out. if you don't allow the metal to metal contact then they won't go bad. Simple solution. Most modern engines use roller lifters now so don't have a problem with the modern oils. so having problems with that cam and distributor gear could very well be the fault of the oil used. I guess I will be the test subject on that then, and we get to see how long it lasts with the right kind of oil in the engine. None of the crappy synthetic stuff.
