Pinto Car Club of America

Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: Cookieboystoys on July 11, 2007, 06:59:19 PM

Title: Distributor Question....
Post by: Cookieboystoys on July 11, 2007, 06:59:19 PM
I "think" I know the answer but just want to be sure.

Carb was replaced with the one from the parts car and then rebuilt on my 1980 and now it will actually start good and stay running without letting it warm up to full temp but it idles a bit rough. I have checked for various vacume leaks and was checking the distributor. I pulled the cap and rotor and when I grab and move the shaft the rotor sits on there is play in the shaft. As I recall it should be tight and no play.... am I right????



Title: Re: Distributor Question....
Post by: 77turbopinto on July 11, 2007, 09:35:22 PM
'Play' in what way?

Advance, end, or lateral?

Bill
Title: Re: Distributor Question....
Post by: Cookieboystoys on July 11, 2007, 11:15:52 PM
side to side... I hold the shaft and move it right to left and it sure is loose
Title: Re: Distributor Question....
Post by: High_Horse on July 12, 2007, 11:47:10 AM
CookieBoy,
  It is supposed to have no play side to side. Take it apart. Or put it in a box and send it to me.

                                                             High_Horse
Title: Re: Distributor Question....
Post by: Cookieboystoys on July 12, 2007, 12:00:33 PM
I didn't think so High_Horse. I'll try to find the extra I have from the parts car and see what the condition of that one is. If that one looks good then I'll swap distributors and send you the bad one to check out.
Title: Re: Distributor Question....
Post by: High_Horse on July 12, 2007, 07:06:39 PM
CookieBoy,
   I would be happy to get that distributor in tip top working order if need  be.

                                                      High_Horse
Title: Re: Distributor Question....
Post by: Cookieboystoys on July 12, 2007, 09:26:36 PM
Thanks High_Horse, I have the bad one I removed from the 73 last fall. I used it for comparison and the spare from the parts car isn't as bad and seems better than the one in the car. I should stop at the parts store next to work and see if they'll let me look at a new one.
Title: Re: Distributor Question....
Post by: High_Horse on July 13, 2007, 12:33:56 PM
CookieBoy,
     Did you check out my tech. tip on distributors???

                                                              High_Horse
Title: Re: Distributor Question....
Post by: Cookieboystoys on July 13, 2007, 07:29:10 PM
I remember seeing it but most of it went... zoooommmmm.... right over my head   ::)

I don't have any experience fixing/referbing parts, I just buy replacements and hope for the best.

anyhoo... I stopped at the parts store and they were willing to let me check out a new distributor and... no wiggle at all so it seems I will buy a rebuilt or send one to you  ;D
Title: Re: Distributor Question....
Post by: Starliner on July 16, 2007, 11:39:04 PM
Is the engine a 1980???   If it still runs rough after the distributor change, try changing or blocking the EGR valve. 

I like blocking off the EGR valve, however it usually requires some distributor recurving to eliminate spark knocking. 
An engine with EGR is curved for more advanced timing under load. The EGR prevents complete combustion and thus little or no spark knock.  When you block the EGR you get complete combustion but with the timing curved too far in advance. So usually you get spark knock.  Upgrading to higher octane fuel helps and mileage increases to compensate.