Truckblog - Distributor help please

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Distributor help please

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firezapper
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Vehicle: 01 250, 93 Sport, 79 F100
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From: pa
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Posted - November 5 2006 : 4:13p

As most of you know I have a 79 F100. Rufio, Project Lost Boy.

OK the problem.....
When he's running there is a white mist from the exhaust. There is the smell of fuel in the air. I thought carb problems.

Well today I tried to time it. Couldn't see the marks so I highlighted them. Still couldn't see them so I checked the light....

It was flashing 1 then 3 then 5 then 2 then 4... Nothing consistent.
Pulled the cap and this is what I have.

There is more rust in there then on the truck!!!!

Here is what I have (that I know of).

302
Bored :40 over
Block decked (unknown how much)
Roller rocker
Hydro lifters
Windsor heads
Heads machined (the guys words couldn't tell me what or how)
Blazer 264-2H cam (Crane)
Edelbrock 600 carb
Edelbrock intake
Headers

STOCK Distributor and Stock Ignition

What should I get to light this biotch up?

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Posted - November 5 2006 : 10:46p

Um ............I dont know............. Maybe jack up the radiator cap and drive a new truck under it??

MrSVTGal
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Posted - November 7 2006 : 12:37a

There are a number of failures that could cause erratic timing...

(1) The bushing in the distributor shaft is shot, allowing the shaft to wobble. See how far you can move it back and forth (should be pretty much no play - or else you need a new/rebuilt distributor)

(2) Dead Hall-Effect sensor - that's that green thing with the red wire. It works by the magnetic effect of the vanes on the center part (stator) passing by the sensor. You might improve things by making sure that the red wire is connected well to whatever harness it leads to outside the distributor, and that the sensor is WELL grounded to the distributor plate (by the hold down screws). The rust probably isn't helping.

Start there and see if things get better...

MrSVTGal

Mort
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Posted - November 7 2006 : 8:40a

Basically, with that setup, an MSD Billet Distributor is the way to go. Ignition mods are cool, because it doesn't matter how mild or wild your engine is, you can pump up the ignition and you'll get more power, a better idle, and better mileage.

Its not the cheapest in the world, but you won't find a better distributor. Plus, I found one that has the cap, rotor, and all the wiring ready to go.

http://www.shopatron.com/product/product_id=MSD8352/424.0

Cool part about the MSD is you can add a 6AL box and MSD coil, and all your ignition products will be matched and ready to go.

Buzz
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Posted - November 7 2006 : 11:04a

I think Mort's idea is a good one, I had the setup Zapper is using in a car and was having trouble with it. So we got another distributor with points and condenser (old school) from a local junk yard.

firezapper
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Vehicle: 01 250, 93 Sport, 79 F100
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From: pa
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Posted - November 7 2006 : 3:21p

Well I think I'm getting another stock one for now ($69.00). The shaft does move.

I'd love a MSD one but $$$$ is tight and want it on the road. Down the road for sure tho.

Edited by - firezapper on November 7 2006 3:21p

MrSVTGal
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Posted - November 8 2006 : 9:57a

Well, a rebuilt distributor to replace yours will address the wobble, replace your Hall sensor (since it's inside the distributor, you'll get a new one in the rebuild), and also get rid of the rust problem.

If it STILL doesn't run right, we need to start looking at the rest of your ignition (I think you should have a duraspark box under the hood somewhere)

MrSVTGal

firezapper
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Vehicle: 01 250, 93 Sport, 79 F100
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Posted - November 8 2006 : 5:38p

Yea drivers side inner fender.

firezapper
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Vehicle: 01 250, 93 Sport, 79 F100
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From: pa
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Posted - November 22 2006 : 5:00p

Well Eric, I owe you a ride!!!

New Duraspark distributor installed. WORKS GREAT....

Here's #2 plug with #7 (the best of the rest). Smells of fuel and not been running for over a week. Also changed the oil and the filter. I'll run it a couple times then change the oil again. Get all that fuel out of it.