Well, have the distributor apart, thanks to the lengthy 2007 thread started by Gunter, I used a battery terminal puller rather than 2 screw drivers to get the reluctor wheel off without loosing (yet) the little dowel pin. The good news is the mechanical advance mechanism is in good shape, the bad news is the vacuum advance/retard mechanism is rusted solid. I sprayed some penetrant in there but there is little hope it will be healed with no way to open and reseal the canister. Removed the drive gear and installed an additional shim to reduce the axial play.
So I am hunting for a used vacuum canister for an 045 distributor, see pictures below. I have learned of an aftermarket replacement coming to market that resembles the OEM Bosch unit and has a billet housing and some sort of electrical mechanism to operate since it requires 12V, however it is quite expensive even for a Porsche part, last resort for me. So if anyone has a useable canister or any leads please send my way.
