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M38a1 Distributor issues

Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2013 8:26 am
by Firefighter37
I am having a terrible time getting my f134 to run. To give some history on my problems: I spun the cam gear and spent some time finally figuring this out. After replacing the cam gear, I was unable to get the engine running again. It would fire and run extremely rough: firing inconsistently (timing light flashed sporadically). I borrowed a distributor from a friend and was able to start the engine and drive it with no issues. This narrows my problems to the distributor. I have replaced the distributor case because the bushings were worn. I also replaced the coil, condenser, and points during this process with spare parts I had in the garage. I replaced the points plate hold downs as well after one broke. I just hate to buy a totally new distributor when I am sure it must be a fairly simple fix.

Thanks for the Help. Kaleb

Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2013 9:28 am
by wesk
Start with a new condenser.

How did it run before the cam gear broke? If it ran smoothly before the cam gear broke then there shouldn't have been any issues with your distributor unless you opened the distributor up and putzed with it while you were working the cam issue.

Since it ran fine on your buddies distributor then I would start with using only new condensers.

Have you ohmed out the coil both cold and hot?

Image

Is your distributor correctly timed and point gap correct?

Have you inspected your distributor's inner cap for carbon tracking and shorts?

Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2013 11:07 am
by Firefighter37
Timing and point gap are both correct. I did open up the distributor before figuring out it was the cam gear (noticed the rotor wasn't turning when trying to check the point gap). I haven't ohmed the coil but used a new one I purchased. I will check that and try a condenser. Also the cap looks good.

Thanks.