Posted by roadrage (IP: 152.163.197.59) on August 01, 2000 at 19:23:29:
In Reply to: Re: Distributors posted by Sparks on August 01, 2000 at 11:29:26:
: I also had similar symtoms. The plate in my distributor was completely detached. Made it impossible to set gap/dwell/timing accurately.
: $30 for a rebuilt distributor was the solution.
: Do the Carb rebuild first, if that was your plan. For about $15 in material, it can't hurt. All new gaskets will take care of any leaks and eliminate one source.
: : If it were vaccuum leaks or a bad cam, it would idle rough all the time, not just when warm. Sounds like you're doing all the right things to eliminate the fuel system as the culprit. You might also want to check the distributor itself. I've had several old Fords on which the vaccuum advance would be stuck, and the former owner(s) bumped up the timing to compensate, making a royal mess of things. Good luck!
i will need to check the distributor. i havent actually popped the cap, to check point gap, but it doesnt appear to be an ignition related problem.
i did however, connect a tach/dwell gauge, so i could adjust the rpms (which the previous owner had set waaaay to high). the tach part of the gauge did not work at all, so i set it by ear. the dwell was right where it was supposed to be. i have to question whether or not my gauge is any good. i have had the distributor plate problem before, on another car. but that kept the car from running at all.
i did spray carb cleaner down the relatively dirty carb, and some soot came out the exhaust. i also added stp gas treatment to the tank.
the car is running a lot better, and will actually snatch 2nd gear. but unfortunately, after shuting her down, i had difficulty getting her restarted.
ill keep working on it. i may have a bad carb, but i think thats about the worst case senario. the car is tight. ill keep yall posted on my progress
thanks for the replies.