93 Ranger needs new Distributor. Shop wants $800.

[Jm3]

My Ranger would crank and would not start. had it towed to a shop where they said the distributor would need to be changed. Something like the rotor, cap, ignition coil would all need to be swapped out as well.

He originally wanted $831 then said $800. Does this sound about right? Are there are DIY's out there for changing out the distributor for a 3.0 V6 1993 Ranger?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Umm...a 3.0 ranger does not have a distributor, rotor or cap. Its a DIS set up (distributorless ignition system)

 

[bobbywalter]

some earlier units have dixxy

 

[bobbywalter]

oh...800 is too high for a tune up. dizzy is 50-90 bux unless the gears are shit....


if he is replacing the cam then i can see that 800.


if it is a dis setup no more then 250.

 

[wanebell]

Sasquatch,

Ranger 3.0 liter engines didn't get DIS until the 95 model year.

Jm3,

Changing a distributor is pretty simple. Unplug the connections, loosen/remove the hold-down bolt and pull it straight up. The tricky part is getting the new one back in the proper position. You need to take careful note of the orientation of the rotor before you remove the old one and get the new one in the same position. Once that is done, it's a good idea to set/verify the base ignition timing. The proceedure is given in a Chilton's or other repair manual.

 

[Jm3]

Thanks for the quick replies guys.

The price he quoted me include parts and labor (obviously)

I searched for the part prices online and recognize some parts that he said will need to be replaced:


-Distributor
-Distributor Cap
-Distributor Rotor
-Ignition Coil
-Ignition Coil Module

I believe that is everything he mentioned. This is my first time diving into my new (to me) ranger. Will the Chilton's manual provide a sufficient DIY for me to tackle this job on my own?

While I am at it, I will most likely change out the plugs and wires. Any other suggestions or tips or advice?

Muchos gracias for the help!

 

[jasonrobo02]

Here's a guy sellling a new distributor and stuff:
http://www.rangerpowersports.com/forum/showthread.php?t=244049

 

[Rearanger]

Re and re distributor is pretty easy. I'd make sure the gear on old one is ok or not, can't see any other reason to replace it unless the shaft is wobbling pretty bad. Cap, rotor, etc. pretty cheap. Put engine in TDC compression, mark location of rotor and distributor, remove old distributor and install new one so that rotor lines up to mark. Check timing with light. You may have to re-position distributor gear as it may be a tooth or two out on first try.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

im wondering why your mechanic thinks you need a distributor, coil, and ignition module all at the same time. it sounds to me like he is guessing and doesnt really know whats wrong. the chances of all 3 of these items failing at the same time are extremely slim. while ignition modules are a fairly common thing to replace, distributors and coils often outlast the life of the truck (they DO fail, but not often).

if you have alternate transportation (and arent in a hurry to get the truck back on the road), i would get a second opinion before replacing anything.

you wouldnt by chance be located in washington state would you?

 

[rurouni20xx]

my cap rotor coil and wires had to be changed at the same time, then again at 225k miles w/ the factory parts that says a lot, but the reason all mine had to be changed was the terminals on all of the above corroded in half. unless this is your problem i dont see why you would need all this. ignition module? you mean the pcm or engine computer along w/ the rest? this guy is clearly guessing, theres bound to be less wrong w/ it.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

cap, rotor, and wires are normal tune-up items. im not even considering them.

the ignition module is not the same as the PCM.

 

[doorgunner]

Like Bobbywalter said, the guy would have to be doing a lot more than that for $800+. I'd have to say, from the list you gave us, that your mechanic wants you to finance his next trip to Las Vegas. Or he's gonna replace everything & hope he gets it right. Either way, Even if you can't do it urself, get it away from his shop even if you gotta push it, then let somebody else check it. I always check with these guys on TRS before I spend big bucks.

 

[Trigger]

I beg to differ sasquatch, I have a 93 with a 3.0 and I have a distributor

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

i think he probably gets it by now....