What's the best way to get the distributor out if it won't budge? When I found the problem with the wiring going into the distributor, I was initially going to change it out. I took off the bolt and retaining clip but the distributor wouldn't budge. I didn't want to go beating on it so I put the clip and bolt back on and fixed the wires.

 

I got it done and the truck runs wonderfully. Immediately, there was a change in performance: it responds when I press the accelerator, it speeds up without hesitation. I'm very pleased. Looks like the distributor was the primary culprit all along.

changing it out wasn't as hard as I anticipated. the only issue i ran into was the timing messing up when I tightened down the clamp bolt at the base of the distributor. I had to loosen it, reset the timing, and tighten it back up. I finally got it though.

I became a little worried when I started it for a test drive and heard valve clatter. I turned it off, started it up and it was hardly there. After reving it a couple of times, it went away altogether and hasn't returned.

Thanks for all the help guys. I owe you a beer.

 

I'm glad the distributor solved your issue. Its good you didn't start messing with the TPS.

As for the noise at start up, it could be the oil filter your using, especially if its the "orange can of death" also called Fram.

 

that noise only happened those couple of times. i haven't had a problem since. i stay away from fram too... Motorcraft FL-1A is what Ive been using for ages, even on my old 91 Ranger with a 2.3L 4cyl... used the same filter and 5quarts.

 

2000 f 259 diesel i have a throttle when driving the rpm's would change when they wanted to
i changed the foot pedal assembly and my problems were gone... if you need one look on line as i found a new that was never used for 100 bucks.

 

Do you have a 5-star tune or any other "tune" ? The reason I ask is that somewhere else I saw where someone had something similar and when they put it back to a stock tune the problem went away

 

Agree. Steer clear of Fram oil Filters. I always use OEM filters on my vehicles. Ex: Motorcraft on Ford. Store brands are risky. Could affect oil pressure, cold startup lubrication, leaking, insufficient filtering process , engine damage ultimately or even failure( blow engine) . Dont skimp on oil filters. Lol