• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Distributor crack, problem?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Andres2882
  • Start date Start date Aug 12, 2005
A

Andres2882

New Member
Jan 29, 2004
316
0
0
Aug 12, 2005
#1
  • Aug 12, 2005
  • #1
My new cap has a slight crack in it. I guess the motorcraft distributors are built to only accept their caps. In any case, is that going to be a big problem? The ford dealership around here charges $45 for a cap so I'd rather order a motorcraft online if possible.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Aug 12, 2005
#2
  • Aug 12, 2005
  • #2
A cap with a crack is asking for a horrible misfire IMHO. one can have spark arcing through the cap to the wrong terminal and causing a horrible backfire/miss.

Good luck.
 
A

Andres2882

New Member
Jan 29, 2004
316
0
0
Aug 12, 2005
#3
  • Aug 12, 2005
  • #3
Good good, this might even be the solution to my car dilemna at the moment. It's funny when bad news actually might turn out to be good news
 

bubba-dough

Active Member
Dec 28, 2004
1,044
2
38
Indiana
Aug 12, 2005
#4
  • Aug 12, 2005
  • #4
A crack will expand and contract with temperatures. This could cause alot of drivability issues.
 
A

Andres2882

New Member
Jan 29, 2004
316
0
0
Aug 12, 2005
#5
  • Aug 12, 2005
  • #5
Ok, so even a little crack on the side would be an issue I guess. For those of you with a motorcraft distributor, it has a little ridge on the lip that I guess only motorcraft caps have too. That's where it cracked. I will definately be replacing it tomorrow I guess. Maybe I can put the new, as of yesterday, cap and rotor back in their boxes and return them for my $13 heh!
 

Rick 91GT

Mustang Master
Nov 29, 1999
9,692
95
99
PA
Aug 12, 2005
#6
  • Aug 12, 2005
  • #6
Andres, I've used some other brand caps that fit also. Most local part stores carry Accel also.

Cracks are not good
 
A

Andres2882

New Member
Jan 29, 2004
316
0
0
Aug 12, 2005
#7
  • Aug 12, 2005
  • #7
Hrmmm, I guess I'll look into it. Everything fit fine except for that little ridge on the lip. Dealers and their crazy prices.
 

NosPony

New Member
Apr 2, 2004
278
0
0
Canton, Il
Aug 12, 2005
#8
  • Aug 12, 2005
  • #8
Just get a accel cap and rotor. I have ran them on my gt for over 7 yrs and no problems.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Aug 12, 2005
#9
  • Aug 12, 2005
  • #9
What is a Motorcraft dizzy (seriously)? That would be OEM, right? If so, parts store caps work great for me. I am sure I am missing something and Rick and/or Andres can laugh at me.

You know that if you read your thread title a little 'strangely', it sounds like you're having a problem getting 'product'.
 
A

Andres2882

New Member
Jan 29, 2004
316
0
0
Aug 13, 2005
#10
  • Aug 13, 2005
  • #10
Yikes HISSIN, I just noticed that. What you got on your mind bro?

Heh, if you read all the posts through with that in your mind, they really come across as something different.

As far as Motorcraft, yah its just Ford's OEM stuff. For some reason you cannot get them from parts stores and thus you get charged an arm and a leg. I'm gonna try and find a match at the parts store first
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Aug 13, 2005
#11
  • Aug 13, 2005
  • #11
Andres2882 said:
Yikes HISSIN, I just noticed that. What you got on your mind bro?

Heh, if you read all the posts through with that in your mind, they really come across as something different.
Click to expand...
Actually, I am just kind of twisted. I first tried to find a joke relating to butt crack, but then noticed the other reference. Rick saying no to crack was very appropriate.

I never use OEM caps myself - I am too poor. Any of the stuff J mentioned should work (Standard is a very good brand of parts' store parts, IMHO), and for something stupid like a cap and rotor, you cant go too far wrong. I have run cheapie and better stuff - never really knew the difference.

Last time I used whatever CSK sells for a brass terminal'd cap. Pretty cheap.

Good luck Andres.
 
A

Andres2882

New Member
Jan 29, 2004
316
0
0
Aug 13, 2005
#12
  • Aug 13, 2005
  • #12
Heh, don't you just love the old guys at the parts stores? I was telling the kid behind the counter that I'd rather have a cap with copper/brass terminals and he was looking at me all blank. Old guy is like oh yah we have those and pulls one from the back. Woot, saves me $45 and a trip to a ford dealership !
 

Rick 91GT

Mustang Master
Nov 29, 1999
9,692
95
99
PA
Aug 13, 2005
#13
  • Aug 13, 2005
  • #13
You guys crack me up
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Engine Distributor Interchange List
  • Wayne Waldrep
  • Jun 21, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
12
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 20, 2026
dan50
8
Engine Rough idle and aggressive sputtering when accelerating
  • 88vertible
  • Aug 13, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 13, 2025
Jarhead67
J
D
Progress Thread Today in the shed........
  • Don7Up
  • May 5, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
23
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jul 30, 2026
Don7Up
D
F
Resolved Stumble issue upon acceleration (1987 GT)
  • FoxDude87
  • Sep 16, 2024
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
54
Views
3K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 3, 2024
FastDriver
S
Fuel ‘88 GT Runs Rich Cold — Fixes Itself When I Unplug Sensors (ECT, MAF, O2, etc.)
  • Sufarry
  • Nov 6, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
12
Views
894
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 9, 2025
Mustang5L5
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?