Distributor - replace?

[sparg93]

The AC Delco distributor is ~ $275...not chump change when you look at the overall for using all AC Delco parts for a tuneup.

My '99 5.7L OBS has 97k on the clock, how do I know if it's time to replace the Distributor? Is there some kind of test I can perform?

I'm getting my BB tune in June and I want this thing to run optimally.

 

[SunlitComet]

Mine has 235,000 and still has the same one that does not need replacing and you can get a msd withe cap and rotor cheaper. Try the ac delco part number on amazon.

 

[99Yuk]

The AC Delco distributor is ~ $275...not chump change when you look at the overall for using all AC Delco parts for a tuneup.

My '99 5.7L OBS has 97k on the clock, how do I know if it's time to replace the Distributor? Is there some kind of test I can perform?

I'm getting my BB tune in June and I want this thing to run optimally.

I don't think the whole dizzy goes bad per say. It's the parts on it that wear out.

The distributor gear ring should be checked for wear. Mine at one point wore down so bad that I when I stomped on the gas pedal, I got it up to about 80kph and then it died. Turns out that I sheared some teeth right off the gear ring...And the remaining teeth were razor blade thin.

The other thing that happens is that the cap screw nuts are embedded into plastic on the stock distributor. So if you over tighten the distributor cap, then you run the risk of stripping the nuts out of the plastic. Then IIRC, your into a new dizzy.

If yours if working fine now, then I would suggest pulling it out to verify that the gear ring has no wear on it. If it does, replace just the gear ring. And finally, just buy a new cap and rotor. AC Delco or MSD.

Leave the dizzy alone if it's not broken.
Just my $0.02.

 

[sparg93]

Makes sense - thank you!

 

[99Yuk]

Hey no worries! We all ask questions here!

 

[LowellForrest]

I don't think the whole dizzy goes bad per say. It's the parts on it that wear out.

The distributor gear ring should be checked for wear. Mine at one point wore down so bad that I when I stomped on the gas pedal, I got it up to about 80kph and then it died. Turns out that I sheared some teeth right off the gear ring...And the remaining teeth were razor blade thin.

The other thing that happens is that the cap screw nuts are embedded into plastic on the stock distributor. So if you over tighten the distributor cap, then you run the risk of stripping the nuts out of the plastic. Then IIRC, your into a new dizzy.

If yours if working fine now, then I would suggest pulling it out to verify that the gear ring has no wear on it. If it does, replace just the gear ring. And finally, just buy a new cap and rotor. AC Delco or MSD.

Leave the dizzy alone if it's not broken.
Just my $0.02.

Thank you 99Yuk! very well explained., now i understand it and it gives me a clear idea on how to do this on my own. thanks again!