distributer magnetic pickup? I think
Thread Starter
|
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,322
Likes: 20
From: Rhode Island
distributer magnetic pickup? I think
I think that is what it is called... I have been havin a problem wiht my rig for a few years now... when she gets warm she likes to just die... like an ignition death... I have replaced the msd, the wires, the plugs,,, the coil, and just about everything else I could think of ... all things seemed to eliminated the problem for a few days.. then driving along... she dies... I came to think my problem might be the distributer! So I opened it up... knowing I had already replaced the cap and rotor that was obviously not my problem... so I looked where the pickup was and it seemed that the gap between the pickup and the magnet(?) was really big... so I got out a set of feeler gages and checked the gap... I had around .49 thousands gap... seemed like a lot to me ... so I opened the hood on my 90 ranger (it has a 5.0) and checked the gap in that distributer! The ranger had only .24 thousands gap... any one think I might be on the right track?
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
Wiggle the dist shaft around. If it's real sloppy, it's wore out. Also check the plate that the pickup is mounted. If you have a vaccum advance style dist, the plate moves around on bushings that could be worn out.
Thread Starter
|
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,322
Likes: 20
From: Rhode Island
the shaft does not seem to be sloppy, and it is a vac advance dist. I moved that back and forth as is the vac was doing its job and it doesnt seem sloppy either... but the gap seems to much more than it should...
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
This is all I could find on the stator assembly. http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/g...3d800a5073.gif
I couldn't find a gap spec. Why don't you go to the autoparts store and see how much they want for a rebuilt distributor. When they bring it out to see if it's the correct one, whip out the feeler guages and see if it's a lot different than the one you have now.
I couldn't find a gap spec. Why don't you go to the autoparts store and see how much they want for a rebuilt distributor. When they bring it out to see if it's the correct one, whip out the feeler guages and see if it's a lot different than the one you have now.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
I had a similar problem with duraspark II ignition boxes. They die when hot, then ok after 1-2 hour cool down. After 3 died, 1 ford & 2 Standard Ignition, I replaced it with a MSD 6-A never failed again. Last time I replaced a magnetic pickup was years ago but I don’t recall ever gapping it, think it was set by design – and a pain to get out as I recall. I see you said you replaced your msd. Was that your ignition box or MSD distributor? My guess is the ignition box is shot. Good Luck!
Thread Starter
|
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,322
Likes: 20
From: Rhode Island
Ive had plenty of durasparks fail on me, that is why all my vehicles get msd ignition boxes. I replaced the msd with one I knew worked, as well as trying a new one from my local speed shop. Both boxes made no difference the truck still died when it got warm and would not start again till it was cooled down.
So I know the box is not my problem.
I replaced the coil with a brand new one.. and still no difference.
I checked the gap on my ranger with the same motor and distributor and found that the gap was .24 on the 1990 ranger, while the gap on the pickup with the problem was .49 . Ive repaced everything I can think would be the problem on this ignition problem.
This seems to be my problem. So I will have to purchase a new msd distributor and say "sa la vee" to the factory style distributor.
So I know the box is not my problem.
I replaced the coil with a brand new one.. and still no difference.
I checked the gap on my ranger with the same motor and distributor and found that the gap was .24 on the 1990 ranger, while the gap on the pickup with the problem was .49 . Ive repaced everything I can think would be the problem on this ignition problem.
This seems to be my problem. So I will have to purchase a new msd distributor and say "sa la vee" to the factory style distributor.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
Sounds like you have it pinned down. I doubt the gap is the problem, probably is the pickup or possible a bad wire or connector to it.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: Alaska
The gap is not critical, Ideally, it should be as close as possible without touching, (.010) but can be much more.
The pickup coil can become heat sensitive with age but the most common problem is that the wires to the PU coil are constantly flexing due to the action of the vacuum advance and can break, (metal fatigue).
The pickup coil can become heat sensitive with age but the most common problem is that the wires to the PU coil are constantly flexing due to the action of the vacuum advance and can break, (metal fatigue).
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
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