Distributor Self Destructed - Need some guidance

[chuckji]

Was cruising on Michigan backroads doing around 55 MPH when suddenly there was a loud noise (sounded like metal snapping) then a backfire out the tailpipe. Engine immediately stalled.
Once pulled over to the side of the road, the truck would crank but not start. I found these pieces (small spring, a couple of small sheared metal pins with C-clips, a plastic hole cover and some other shards of broken plastic) on top of the intake manifold. I guessed they came from the distributor, as I’ve seen that hole cover on there before.


Needless to say, got the truck towed home and started some investigation.
Looks like the distributor‘s mechanical advance self destructed.


Both the distributor and cam gears look ok.
I’ve turned the crank by hand and the engine seems to turn normally, with no binding or strange noises.
I drained the oil a did not find any metal shards (ran a magnet through the oil) or anything strange.

So, I’m seeking some advice from you fine folks.
Any thoughts on what could cause this?
Has anyone ever experienced such a thing?
What else should I check?

By the way, this is a Blueprint 306 Bronco Edition crate engine, that I think came with a Procomp distributor.
I’ve been running this engine for around 7 years.

Thanks!

 

[Broncobowsher]

I think you got it right. The only other thing that might have blown up would be the distributor gear roll pin. But that won't really matter.
Drop in duraspark and run it.

 

[EPB72]

Seen a few distributors selfdistruct on some OE applications over the years ,, Honda GM hei early and late model ,,, Any sideways slop in the distributor shaft ?? Would suspect something clip or advance spring popped off from wear then maybe an advance weight went somewhere it’s not supposed th be and got wedged in a rotating part and smashed through a no rotating part ,,
Summit shows a blue print engines distributor sold as pro billet but cap hold downs are different ,, so. But in your picture that reluctor and pick up look very similar to what would be in a GM hei distributor ,,

 

[chuckji]

Thanks for the inputs @Broncobowsher and @EPB72 , it makes me more confident this was an isolated distributor failure and not a symptom of some bigger problem.

 

[gnpenning]

GM hei of the past put the mechanical advance above the pickup/reluctor. The rotor mounts to the advance arms then screwed/bolted down, not a slip fit.