How I Can Figure Out If Distributor Is Going Bad?

Slow5.0

Active Member
Feb 13, 2003
2,554
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46
Portland, OR
Yesterday I get in trouble with my Stang , I taught my fuel pump going bad because I pulled CEL code 543 but thats bad code , it's gone now , I thing something is wrong with ignition , I chack almost evetything
spark plugs, spark plug wires, ingition module , distributor cap, rotor , fuel pump works fine , I have spare ECU computer and CCRM so I try swap them but nothing , I have no idea whats wrong but car run like **** and too frickin rich , spark plugs are wet , I find little bit fuel on them, meybe distributor or distributor gear is bad but when I start engine ,whole engine is shaking ,than sometime stop shaking than again shake again it's like in one hour engine run 25% good and 75% bad

How I can find if is Distributor or Distributor gear is bad
 
That night when I come back from the track I fill up full tank of gas
I have CAI and filter is in the fender , I didn't check that yet
Fuel filter I replaced 2 months ago
If timing is bad than distributer gear is f*** up , I hope so not or meybe yes because than I will find whats problem
 
When my distributor went bad in my Chevy truck, it shook violently, even at idle. If that is the case in yours, I would get a whole new dist.

Are all of the spark plugs running rich?

If all 8 are running rich, check the following.

#1 Fuel Pressure - If the FPR is bad, you may be getting too much fuel.
#2 Vacuum Check - Check the vacuum at idle. It should stay very steady.
#3 Check MAF - If the MAF element is clogged, it may cause the computer to add too much fuel.

#4 Disconnect the battery for a few minutes. Then drive the car for 20 minutes. Then run the codes again. Hopefully you should get some sort of codes. The O2 sensors should at least say you are running rich.

Post back when you perform the tasks outlined so we can go from there.

Good luck Ernie!
Scott
 
Fuel pressure regulator is good, FP is 39 psi like always
There is no Vacum leak , idle is 900rpms like always
Now I gonna check air filter, fuel filter, MAF, ECT, IAC
I disconected battery many times does't works that way
Engine just loopin like missed fire non stop, on aif/fuel ratio gauge I read right O2 sensor normal BUT on left O@ , this one is kinda weird , works wirh many lights, meybe one O@ sensor on left is bad ,
But I can understand why when I rev up a few times problems is gonne for a few min than come back , and it's worst on lower rpms 1700 and down
 
This morning I check ECT , IAC , MAF , air filter, all plugs and witers, rotor and distributer cap , ingition coil and module , everything is fine , now I have to check timing, dirstibuter gear and fuel filter
I was thinkin , night before I fing this problem I fill up full tank of gas , what I have some wather in the gas , metbe that cause my problem
 
Long tubes

I noticed that you have the long tube headers......how long have they been on the car? and did you lengthen the connections your self or did you buy the longer connections.......and last but not least I would suggest tracing your o2 sensor wiring harnesses and ensure that they havent burnt through anywhere........last but not least hit one of the local auot stores and get the .99 cent gas treatment.
Good Luck!
 
If you suspect the distributor, your best bet would be to take it out and turn by hand. I knew my old one was bad when I tried to turn it by hand and it would bind like crazy. SO I ordered a REAL distributor to take it's place :D