Paranoid preventative distributor replacement?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Paranoid preventative distributor replacement?
95 f150 straight 6 auto
Seen many threads about being stranded lately.
Would it make any kind of sense to replace the distributor beFORE the old one dies?
Hopefully the new one will be good and I'll have an extra known working unit under the seat as a back up.
Now that I think of it, are there any other parts I should have with me while I have the luxury of access to a parts store?
Already have an 'extra' known working eec.
Seen many threads about being stranded lately.
Would it make any kind of sense to replace the distributor beFORE the old one dies?
Hopefully the new one will be good and I'll have an extra known working unit under the seat as a back up.
Now that I think of it, are there any other parts I should have with me while I have the luxury of access to a parts store?
Already have an 'extra' known working eec.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Yes you're being paranoid and frankly I trust the OEM electronics more than any replacement(made in PRC) crap you can buy at a part store. The distributor in your truck only has a PIP module inside and these rarely die, the ignition module is a more common fault and it is seperately mounted on the fender on your truck, having a spare one of these isn't a bad idea.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,335
Likes: 6
From: Midwest
I would say it depends on how many miles the truck has on it. My pip sensor failed at 158,000 miles,I wasn't too upset then because it was still the stock part. So I put in original motorcraft parts,even replaced the TFI module just to be safe,motorcraft part there also. Now two years later,my truck again left me stranded last week.I have no spark,I have narrowed it to the PIP sensor again or TFI module(hope it is the module,I have the old one to use to test). As soon as it stops snowing I will do some more troubleshooting,but this was the truck's second strike and I am pissed off right now,one more time and I will be leaving the ford truck world,my truck has been towed twice in 2 years,more than ANY truck i have owned in 20 years!!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 2
From: North Reading Mass
Can't blame you being ticked off since you even used the OEM parts. I usually buy a name brand at Napa for my vehicle electrical parts and none have ever failed. I always have old JY modules, MAP, sensors, relays, and sensors in the bed tool box for testing or getting me home.
My current Ford has behaved well only needing a Map sensor and normal tune up parts so far in 218k miles. My alternator (95 amp 3G) is starting to shut off intermittently and I'll probably get a replacement from Napa or get one from the JY. I thought about upgrading to a 130 amp but the 95 has never had a problem keeping up even when hauling trailers.
regards
rikard
My current Ford has behaved well only needing a Map sensor and normal tune up parts so far in 218k miles. My alternator (95 amp 3G) is starting to shut off intermittently and I'll probably get a replacement from Napa or get one from the JY. I thought about upgrading to a 130 amp but the 95 has never had a problem keeping up even when hauling trailers.
regards
rikard
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,538
Likes: 54
From: Des Moines
I don't think there's anything wrong with carrying spare parts. It never hurts to keep a few basic things on hand, just in case. A whole distributor assembly... well, yeah, I'd say that's a bit much. But if this what you want to do, its your money, your truck. There's no harm in being prepared.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,335
Likes: 6
From: Midwest
yes,the dist has to come out for both fixes,and has to be disassembled to replace the PIP sensor. It is more expensive to replace the dist obviously,but it is quicker and less involved.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 295
Likes: 1
From: Ca.
Getting a rebuilt distributor doesn't always mean that it will have a new pickup inside. If that part worked when the old one came in, then it's likely that it'll just get reused again. Carrying spare parts is a very good idea. I've done that for years, and it's paid off for me. Just be sure to carry the tools for a roadside fix.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bluetorpedo
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
28
Mar 11, 2017 08:50 PM
lawsonej
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
May 31, 2016 07:40 AM
Oldschool1962
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
13
Oct 18, 2015 03:30 PM
Triffecpa
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
6
Sep 7, 2015 03:57 PM
1995, 1996, 95, 96, distributer, distributor, f150, ford, pickup, pip, repair, replace, replacement, sensor, straight
