MFI 2.4E distributor woes

[MikeDL]

I've been trying to figure out a high idle problem, and checked to make sure the distributor vacuum mechanism responded when vacuum was applied. It does, and the mechanism moves smoothly, but it also leaks (over 1-2 seconds) all the vacuum applied and returns to neutral. Is this normal? If not, is it repairable or are replacement parts available?

While on the subject of replacement parts, I also noticed that the points plate ground braid is held onto the distributor body by only a couple of strands. Advice in the archives seems to point to replacing the plate, but I don't see them available. Any ideas?

Thanks!