Anyone had problems with ...

[TexasTom]

Distributor drive gear failures? Specifically, I had the brass/bronze gear wear out on a recent build ... probably has 1000 miles on it! The drive gear under the distributor is aftermarket. I didn't want to use it, but didn't have a german unit available at time of assembly.
The engine was running strangely and had broken an ignition rotor! The locating tab inside was sheared off. Replaced that and checked the timing to find it was erratic and producing 38* of advance! Tried another distributor ... same thing. Then I checked the gear to find it was quite sloppy.
Now I have to tear it back down

I'm starting to hate aftermarket parts.

Thanks,
TxT

[RhoadsVW]

Check the bottom of the case where the drive sits.  I have had a couple cases go bad and take out the brass gear. Also if your running a stock fuel pump the spacer block sometimes sets the push rod over and it will jump off the drive or ride on the edge of the drive putting excessive wear on the brass gear. Always check the position of the fuel pump rod before assembling the case. I take and grind out the case to move the push rod over onto the drive more.  Dave Rhoads

[Jim Ratto]

I wonder if the angle they cut teeth on the aftermarket pinion is out of index. I'll tell you, I absolutely refuse to use new aftermarket timing gears or pinions

[Zach Gomulka]

I'm starting to hate aftermarket parts.

Just now?!

I'll take decades old original parts over new stuff any day, and that goes for any car.