Distributor Replace, or just the points?
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Seattle, WA
Distributor Replace, or just the points?
Howdy.
The truck is a '70 F-250 with the 360 V-8. I haven't been able to get it started the last couple of weeks, and finally this weekend I had a chance to really take a close look. I opened the distributor cap and inspected the rotor and contacts, which are all fine. I looked at the points, and noticed that they were closed even when the octagonal cam was in a position that should have had them opened! I turned the engine with a wrench and discovered that the points were not opening.
On a whim, I put a screwdriver next to the advance plate and gave it a little shove. It seemed to "snap" back into place somehow, like it had been stuck slightly out of place.
I put the cap back on and the truck started right up!
But, after less than a minute it died again. I decided rather than screw it up I'd ask you guys what might be going on here. I removed the distributor so I could get a close look at it. The points are indeed worn and pitted, so I'll be replacing them. But is there some spring I need to replace maybe? A loose screw somewhere? I didn't see one, but I haven't been so bold as to disassemble the distrib. yet. I might leave that to a pro if it comes to that... or replace the whole thing I guess.
Thanks for any suggestions,
james
The truck is a '70 F-250 with the 360 V-8. I haven't been able to get it started the last couple of weeks, and finally this weekend I had a chance to really take a close look. I opened the distributor cap and inspected the rotor and contacts, which are all fine. I looked at the points, and noticed that they were closed even when the octagonal cam was in a position that should have had them opened! I turned the engine with a wrench and discovered that the points were not opening.
On a whim, I put a screwdriver next to the advance plate and gave it a little shove. It seemed to "snap" back into place somehow, like it had been stuck slightly out of place.
I put the cap back on and the truck started right up!
But, after less than a minute it died again. I decided rather than screw it up I'd ask you guys what might be going on here. I removed the distributor so I could get a close look at it. The points are indeed worn and pitted, so I'll be replacing them. But is there some spring I need to replace maybe? A loose screw somewhere? I didn't see one, but I haven't been so bold as to disassemble the distrib. yet. I might leave that to a pro if it comes to that... or replace the whole thing I guess.
Thanks for any suggestions,
james
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 238
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From: Bridgeville,CA
I would start by taking the distruibuter apart and checking out the centifical advance. The plate that moves when the RPM increases sounds like it is binding. If you can't get fix it you can always default back to the option of just replaceing it. I have never failed to be able to free up the advance plate without much trouble.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: nevada
wore out
If that dizzy has been on there for a bunch of yrs, its prob wore out. some yrs back I decided mine was due for replacement, went to a auto parts store and bought a rebuilt one for 45 bucks, and then a yr later put a Pertronix system in it. Always runs great, and no more points to mess with. Some day one of the upgraded high dollar distributors will go on it.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Seattle, WA
Pertronix?
Thanks for the replies guys!
Baitmaster, how difficult was the pertronix installation? How costly? I've toyed with the idea of going that route... I guess I'll look around on this site and the web for some info. If I could do that in about the same amount of time it'd take me to fix this diz, why not?
Again, thanks.
- james
Baitmaster, how difficult was the pertronix installation? How costly? I've toyed with the idea of going that route... I guess I'll look around on this site and the web for some info. If I could do that in about the same amount of time it'd take me to fix this diz, why not?
Again, thanks.
- james
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 238
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From: Bridgeville,CA
I installed the Crane Cams version of the electronic ignition. The whole job took about an hour. Crane uses an LED for the sensor. I have had one in my VW for 8 years and nothing but nothing changes unless I want it changed. The Crane system is about $90. The one in my 360 is only about 4 years old but no problems.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Seattle, WA
Talisker,
I checked out Crane Cams' website and noticed they have the LED system you mentioned (called an XR700) and retailers indeed have it for around $90. I also saw that they have another product called the XR-I, a digital pickup that mounts where the points are, and uses the existing octagonal cam inside the dizz for its pickup. That one seems simpler, and is cheaper at $69. Any thoughts on that route?
Thanks for the help, I'm excited to go to electronic ignition.
- jam
I checked out Crane Cams' website and noticed they have the LED system you mentioned (called an XR700) and retailers indeed have it for around $90. I also saw that they have another product called the XR-I, a digital pickup that mounts where the points are, and uses the existing octagonal cam inside the dizz for its pickup. That one seems simpler, and is cheaper at $69. Any thoughts on that route?
Thanks for the help, I'm excited to go to electronic ignition.
- jam
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 238
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From: Bridgeville,CA
I will have to check out the web site!!! I have the XR700. I wounder if the XR-1 has become available since I installed my system. It sounds like a good idea to not have to mess with a plastic pickup disc.
