Intermittently Noisy Distributor

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Sep 24, 2006 | 03:23 PM

300-6cyl

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Intermittently Noisy Distributor

I drive a 95 F-150, 4.9L/300ci, 5-speed.

I've noticed a noise the last couple of days as I've started it and initially attributed it to a cold belt/pulley bearing.

I checked today, and the stethescope result is that the noise is coming from the distributor. Here's what I've noticed:

- Primarily present when engine is cold

- Noise goes away when engine is running faster than about 1600 rpm.

- Noise not normally present when under a load (even lugged down below 1200 rpm)

- Noise sounds a whole lot like a failing pulley bearing.

- At idle, the noise disappears for a few moments, then comes back, goes away, comes back.

- The engine does not seem to run rough, miss, or otherwise seem to be bothered when the noise is present/gone. Idles right along fine.

Any ideas on what seems to ail her?

Thanks

Gig

Sep 24, 2006 | 09:06 PM

vanman2

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Joined: Sep 2006

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Hi Gig,

To what part of the distributor have you isolated the noise? If you are speaking of the cap, it could be due to residue build-up on each of the six contact points. Sometimes, there is arcing if the cap and rotor are worn. Try cleaning the contact points on the cap and rotor. If the noise is at the base of the distributor check the distributor bushing.

Sep 24, 2006 | 09:37 PM

300-6cyl

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Joined: Jan 2006

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vanman,

Thanks for the response.

I haven't got it isolated, but I'm leaning toward bushing. I'll have to have the cap off anyway when I investigate further, so I'll be sure to check the points and look for any build-up.

Just looking ahead, but the Haynes doesn't seem all that descriptive of changing the bushing(s) for the distributor. Any special tools required for this?

Thanks again,

Gig