1983 Ranger 2.8L 4x4 4spd

[Paveman]

My ranger sat for a couple weeks and when I went to start it, it tried to fire on what sounded like two cylinders - then nothing. pulled the air cleaner and had my son turn the key while I was watching and noticed the distributor moving. It moves left and right like you would move it to set the timing. I checked the hold down bolts and they are tight - but the thing still moves quite easily. being in the back of the engine it is difficult to see back there to tell what could be wrong. I have searched for an exploded view / diagram of the assembly to see if there is a clamp that I'm not seeing but can't find anything... Hope someone can point me in the right direction to figure this out...

 

[yourdudeness]

2.8 dist hold down clamp

i would check out the clamp one 13mm bolt holds the clamp to the block this holds the dist tight

 

[adsm08]

There is only one hold down bolt. The one yourdudeness is talking about. Not sure what you checked.

Postin' from teh Galaxy

 

[Paveman]

Thanks for the tips - been making room in the garage so we can get some light on the subject. it is hard to see on the backside of the engine....