Distributor pickup
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,855
Likes: 4,106
From: Angier, NC
Yes
No
You did not post what year, motor and ignition system DSII with vacuum hose or TFI no vacuum hose so it is hard it say why it is changing. By how much dose it change?
Dave ----
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,647
Likes: 1,155
From: Tolland, CT
I recommend replacing the distributor with a rebuilt one. I learned that the hard way after spending lots of money chasing issues and finally replaced the dizzy. A rebuilt dizzy is not that much money.
How old is your distributor ?
How old is your distributor ?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 237
From: NE Ohio
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 183
Likes: 21
Dang. 1982 F350 351W. Does it matter the source? Would Napa be a good source? Thanks for the suggestion.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 92
Likes: 20
From: Pa
Trending Topics
FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 53,909
Likes: 2,375
From: NY and VA
I think the Ebay listing is for a 351M
www.rockauto.com is another good source.
And, yes, NAPA would be a good source also.
www.rockauto.com is another good source.
And, yes, NAPA would be a good source also.
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
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,647
Likes: 1,155
From: Tolland, CT
Yes, NAPA or your local auto parts store would be good. My local NAPA store still has the same guys working there as when I first stopped in some 12 years ago. When I have an issue, there is someone to talk too about it. You don't get that from EBAY or on line somewhere across the country.
Your also supporting a local business and your neighbors that work there.
Your also supporting a local business and your neighbors that work there.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,157
Likes: 1,167
My experience here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...tator-gap.html
Some good info from the '73-'79 forum:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...stributor.html
For your situation, with the ignition timing appearing to have shifted, there are a few things to check:
Does the engine run differently? That might indicated a loose timing chain that has jumped a tooth or two. It could also indicate a sheared roll pin on the distributor drive gear.
If the engine runs the same, make sure the outer portion of the crankshaft pulley has not slipped. If it did, this would change the indication with the timing light, but the engine performance would be unchanged. To check, remove the spark plugs and put #1 piston at TDC. Use a soda straw or something similar through the spark plug hole. Do NOT use anything rigid that could snap off, such as a screwdriver. I do not care to discuss how I know this. With the piston at TDC, look at your timing marks. If not showing TDC, the pulley has slipped.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...tator-gap.html
Some good info from the '73-'79 forum:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...stributor.html
For your situation, with the ignition timing appearing to have shifted, there are a few things to check:
Does the engine run differently? That might indicated a loose timing chain that has jumped a tooth or two. It could also indicate a sheared roll pin on the distributor drive gear.
If the engine runs the same, make sure the outer portion of the crankshaft pulley has not slipped. If it did, this would change the indication with the timing light, but the engine performance would be unchanged. To check, remove the spark plugs and put #1 piston at TDC. Use a soda straw or something similar through the spark plug hole. Do NOT use anything rigid that could snap off, such as a screwdriver. I do not care to discuss how I know this. With the piston at TDC, look at your timing marks. If not showing TDC, the pulley has slipped.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 183
Likes: 21
Thanks everyone. The timing is changing about 5-10 degrees. This is the second time in a month. I really don’t think it’s the timing chain because I can get it run good with a little turn of the distrubutor. The crank pulley is not slipping.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,855
Likes: 4,106
From: Angier, NC
Thats a lot to move to get timing back where it should be.
If you have the timing set now, mark the dist. base and some place close by to see if it is the dist. turning or something else.
Dave ----
If you have the timing set now, mark the dist. base and some place close by to see if it is the dist. turning or something else.
Dave ----
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 237
From: NE Ohio
Than you will know absolutely and can rule it out for good. Absolutely turning the dizzy is going to put it back in time until it happens again.
I'm not discounting others opinions they could be exactly spot on, but imnsho you don't know until you confirm. Parts cannon or rule it out step by step?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 237
From: NE Ohio
Would be nice to know than I won't tell anyone to replace their nylon setup anymore.
did you buy your 86 new or used?