can you check the distributor drive spacer washer in car?

[marcw]

Hello, (Type 4 - 2 litre 1976

I have a burning worry and problem that the distributor drive spacer fell out when I put the distributor drive shaft in place.

Symptoms:

1 - there is a ting which is coming from the distributor area of the engine. This was not there when I first put the engine together and at around 200Kms started. It has been getting progressively worse.

2 - the timing is impossible to set as the mark is hunting all over the place. It goes from 5 to 9 degrees at idle and from 28 to 32 degrees at +- 3000RPM.

3 - the timing light is reading 9000RPM when I rev the engine and the rev counter in the dash is sporadically jumping from 3000RPM to 3200RPM. I presume the light is more accurate and reflecting some problem with the distributor.

4 - the engine is spluttering when running; like it is missing once every fourth cycle. (I am not running her on the road.)

Is there any way to check that the spacer/washer (the one with groves on both sides) is in place?

Please don't tell me I have to TAKE OUT THE ENGINE to check this. (I cant face that again.)

Marc