RockAuto DISTRIBUTOR

[gaz]

Hello,
Grabbed a new distributor from RockAuto.com, there are a few things worth noting, the price was less than I expected at $95

IT is a Duralast GOLD, which is the house brand for Schuck's/Kragen/O'Reilly's; the box reports the actual manufacturer is BEST Parts INC. of Memphis TN (made in China sticker adjacent, so they imported it). I hope that I don't need to rebuild it with Ford guts.

The first thing that struck me is the ignition module fasteners are Philips head, verses the hex heads. The ignition module is the gray colored version, which is inspirational. It included the hall effect sensor, a black cap and rotor with brass conductors.

Just advanced the 2.9L to 0° TDC and am now pulling my old distributor. I will report back after he (my truck's became known as "Anger" when the R was scraped of his RANGER windshield decal) tells me how much he likes it.

 

[franklin2]

Make sure you save the old one.

 

[bobbywalter]

 

[gaz]

I go about things differently than I used, some would suggest slower.

Comparing the 2 distributors, the Duralast is the thickness of a dime longer, I am uncertain this will have any bearing on it's performance.

Install was unexpectedly fast, plopped right in. I have experienced it going well and no going. It plopped right in, then the hold down bolt immediately threaded , I never know what to expect, just try and remain positive.

It was dark by the time I had it in so I called it Friday night. Saturday I had errands and issues to smooth over before I could lay my hands on the Ranger.

When the time came, thankfully, I was in an extraordinarily serene state. It had been apart for a few days and I needed to give it a good look over before cranking it. I try not to expect it to fire right up as it is a 50/50 chance to be 180° out, setting the timing from the crank without pulling a valve cover.

I cranked it, it didn't start. I remember depressurizing the fuel system, in a moment of haste, I gave the intake a blast of starter fluid to get the party started more expeditiously...good cranking, no starting. I wasn't mad yet so I climbed out to see if I could spot something and reflect on the events of the day, to maintain not getting mad.

Good fortune shined on me as I was thirsty. I went a mixed up some blue flavored Kool Aid and filled two chilled 25 oz glass mugs.

I punched most of the first volume then walked towards the truck, only then seeing a small stream of fluid pluming away from under the engine. I immediately realized how very lucky I was that it didn't start immediately. If it had I may have over excitedly hoped in and driven it like that, not noticing the fluid plume.

Upon a closer look, coolant was running down from the top of the block. From the location, it could be 1 of 3 things: the lower intake, the T-stat or the coolant return hose.

I serviced the coolant and was able to see the coolant trickling from the lower portion of the return hose on the thermostat housing.

I had to stop and address other more life impeding matters, so I say "so far so good".

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Isnt duralast autozone?

 

[gaz]

@rusty ol ranger ,
Ah, yes, thank you for correcting me, the Duralast is Autozone's line .)