distributor questions


tx_smorgan

tx_smorgan

15+ Year Member

Joined
Dec 9, 2007
Messages
24
Points
3,101
Age
38
Vehicle Year
1988
Transmission
Automatic
ok i have an 88 ranger with a 2.9

I think my distributor is off a tooth heres what going on

i pulled out the distributor and mark lines where it was on the block same with the rotor also set it to top dead center
when i when to put it back in i lined it and up on would go back in try
the only way i could get it to go back in was 45* clockwise
it runs just like shit didnt have much time to mess with it after that just moved the distributor around a bit just to see if it change any to see if it was maybe just the time but not change really at all


any idea would it run a tooth off or to and how do i go about fixing it
 
start over.

find TDC (compression), point the rotor at the #1 spark plug wire connector on the cap and drop the dizzy in. start the engine and time with a light.
 
Adjustment to Distributor

If you are one tooth off on the distributor it doesn't matter, all you need to do is pull the pip connector (with the ignition off) off the line and adjust your distributor to 10 degrees before top dead center by having the distribtor retaining screw snug but loose enough to turn the distributor. The pip connector will either be next to the passenger side valve cover or between the battery and the fender. It looks like a little flat top mushroom and has retainer clips on both sides. Its only 3/4" wide by 1" long. After you set your timing to 10 degrees btdc, shut off the ignition and reinsert the pip conector. it will run good. :icon_idea:
 
It doesn't matter MUCH, but it does matter.

What it affects is when the two injector batches fire.

It would have to be FAR off to cause driveability issues by itself.
 
i set the timing with a light but at idle it moves up and down between 500 and 1000rpms
but it has power like normal when driving it

what do you think about that?
 
probably not a timing issue.

id start by checking/cleaning your IAC solenoid...thats the usual cause of abnormal idle.
 
yeah i already did that
 
Did you pull the SPOUT when you adjusted the timing? Check for cracked / broken grounds.

Pete
 
The ground between the TFI module and the - side of the ignition coil is green w/yellow stripe. if coroded this can cause misfire and be sending various spark quality to the distrbutor cap. check this. this wire is a problem child if coroded. My 86 Bii 2.9 liter was acting similar to your described behavior when it conked out completely and I changed every part of the ignition system and than found the problem, replaced the wire. it runs perfect now.
 
yeah i took that spout out
im going to look for that wire
 
so that green and yellow wire was all good nothing wrong with it all grounds are good to
 
If your Air charge temperature sensor is defective it can send a false reading to your computer and would cause your problem. The Air charge temperature sensor is a thermistor sensor that inputs the temperature of the incoming air stream in the air filter or intake manifold to the computer. It can be located in the intake manifold (EFI systems) or the air cleaner. On carbureted vehicles, if the air is cold, it signals the choke to let off slowly. It then alters engine speed after the choke is off and below a certain temperature, dumps air from the air injection system to the atmosphere for catalyst protection. Since your vehicle is fuel injected it will be on the intake manifold above the passenger side valve cover. this would cause the vehicle to surge up and down if that is defective.
 
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