Thank you guys for all the information. I will get into the car later today.

Something interesting I found on the manual! It says that my 1972 117.984 should have distributor part # 0231 401 003 or 0231 402 002

It seems the previous owner replaced the distributor with the 1970/71 engine 116, distributor! which is 0231 401 002.

I dont think there should be too much variation, but could this be a reason?