4.9 Distributor install TDC question
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 663
Likes: 2
From: Elk River, MN
4.9 Distributor install TDC question
So we snapped off one of the dist cap bolts, going to get a new distributor to go along with the cap, rotor, plug wires, plugs and coil. So my question is how do you know when you are on TDC compression and not TDC exhaust. At least without taking the valve cover off or other major dismantling.
Also are we wasting money on a distributor from O'reilly's or should we get a motorcraft one.
Also are we wasting money on a distributor from O'reilly's or should we get a motorcraft one.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
Just put it at TDC and make sure the rotor is pointing at # 1 before you pull the old dist. For that matter, you dont need to even put it an TDC, just make sure the rotor is pointing at the same spot it was with the old dist.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 663
Likes: 2
From: Elk River, MN
Pulled it out without marking the rotor position so now we are pretty much a 50/50 chance. The rotor has to point at number one, are there other alignment marks as you slide the new one in?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
Pull #1 spark plug, put a finger over the hole while turning the engine over in the proper direction (clockwise)until you feel air coming out of the hole. The piston is on its way up on compression at this point. Line the timing pointer up and you are on TDC of compression stroke.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 149
From: South Dakota
Good luck finding a good rebuilt distributor. It's very common to get one with a pickup that dies after running a little while. These distributors all seem to be rebuilt on the cheap. I'm sure you can't buy a NEW distributor.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 43
From: New York
Are you sure of that? If you go into a Ford parts desk do they tell you "NLA" if you ask for a distributor for a '90 Ford F-150 4.9?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 149
From: South Dakota
Only one problem here. It looks like the OP needs a distributor for a '94 with a 4.9, going by the vehicles the OP lists. Rockauto doesn't list any NEW distributors for a '94 with a 4.9.
If you know where to get a NEW distributor for a '94 with a 4.9, kindly tell the OP he may want to know.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 43
From: New York
As suggested above, the quality of "rebuilt distributors" is suspect. They should have new bearings installed along with a new PIP and gear of correct material. To the best of my knowledge, only the PIP is sold as a separate part at the retail level, so fully rebuilding your own isn't really an option. The replacement gear I've seen used on Chinese-rebuilt distributors is NOT of the same quality as OE. I'd sooner re-use an original with 200K miles.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 43
From: New York
Pull #1 spark plug, put a finger over the hole while turning the engine over in the proper direction (clockwise)until you feel air coming out of the hole. The piston is on its way up on compression at this point. Line the timing pointer up and you are on TDC of compression stroke.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 663
Likes: 2
From: Elk River, MN
Well we have not figured it out yet. The first distributor we bought said brand new only to have one of the bolt tabs break off just screwing it down. I have been letting the kid do the work as I have been busy the last few nights. Him and his friends tried for three hours yesterday with no luck. I will have to dive into it tonight. I suspect he has a plug wire or two crossed as I know we found tdc on the compression stroke. Not sure what we missing other then that as we have tried rotating the gear several teeth in both directions from we are pretty sure it should be.
To add to that we have major power steering fluid leak and the pressure line at the gear box looks like a real bugger. Good thing we have a spare vehicle cause the truck isn't going anywhere soon.
To add to that we have major power steering fluid leak and the pressure line at the gear box looks like a real bugger. Good thing we have a spare vehicle cause the truck isn't going anywhere soon.
New User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
messed up here
What happens if I re stab the distributor , pointing at sp#1 but didn't tdc it?
I rebuild a distributor. The work fine but now my truck wont run. Thing is it did run for about a mile then it just flat out died.
I rebuild a distributor. The work fine but now my truck wont run. Thing is it did run for about a mile then it just flat out died.
1st Gear
Joined: May 2024
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Distributor assembly f150 XLT straight 6
I shop on ebay
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