I should have mentioned that I just checked that out. Spring, drive and one
thrust washer all in place. What a PITA to get that drive out. (I never saw
the need to buy one of those nice pullers, guess I still don't need one!)
The drive is always easy to remove when the engine is on the assembly stand-
just roll it upside down! (with a rag over the hole to catch the thrust washer).
There is some evidence of hammering between the top of the distributor hole
in the crankcase and the distributor bracket. It is worn down there slightly
except for the split area in the bracket. Further leading me to believe that
this is near the source of my rattle.
Al Brase