No the gap will not cause a shut down. Do inspect the plugs and set to about .040 as you have an EI. The gap only influences the fire at the tip which starts the whole power stroke. The EI produces a consistent spark unlike points so additional gap can be utilized for better overall performance. Points are only "Correct" when set correctly and wear out from the "start", unlike the EI which has a consistent "dwell". Also the "cam" in these old distributors are pretty much worn out so setting by gap is useless and a dwell meter is necessary!
Dave Neptune