3.0 distributor?

[mtnrgr]

How can you tell if a distributor from a junkyard is good or bad?

I ask this, I recently ravaged a 94 b3000 at the pull a part for miscellaneous engine parts, plugs etc. I went back the next day and someone else pulled the distributor to get the lower intake manifold..I looked at the distributor, and it's solid. The shaft spins freely and is nice and tight, no wobbles or noises, inside is clean, gear teeth are in good shape. It looks to be an original ford part with 110,000 miles. Does this sound like a good distributor? I did get it for next to nothing. Interested to know, and need some help from professionals.

 

[pjtoledo]

sounds like a good one.

their failure point is the top bushing gets dry and wears out, teeth wear out too.
so if the top bushing is ok just oil it and use it.

 

[mtnrgr]

It's a spare, there are only a couple of yards where I live now. When it spins and is completely quiet, does this mean the bearing is good? The one currently in my truck, I have sprayed wd40 to keep it lubricated. I will put some in this one after a good cleaning. That engine was 5 inches thick of oil..don't you love when people never change gaskets.

 

[pjtoledo]

as long as there is no side play. you can always add oil to keep it lubricated but you can't add metal the keep the shaft from wobbling in a worn hole.
personally I use WD40 to clean parts and free up stuck stuff. regular oil is a much better lubricant, especially at engine temperatures.

 

[pjtoledo]

it's past midnight here, my blurry eyes just realized you said distributor, not cam sync unit.
but, they are basically the same thing 'cept for the top rotor.