Installing distributor in a 94 Cobra

webshot · Mar 29, 2012

Is it as simple as it looks? Any tips, advice, know how's?

Per some of the suggestions given here about the distributor being my potential problem (rough idle, non starting after being warm and shutting off). I am looking to replace it with a parts store stock replacement. And just wondering if this is something I can tackle in my garage and what are some of the "gotchas" I should look out for?

And clarification it was said my PIP could be going bad. But rather than rebuild my current dizzy, I am replacing it. Then maybe rebuild the old one to have a back up.

Any advice, tips, write ups or experience is appreciated.

VibrantRedGT · Mar 29, 2012

I suggest marking with a sharpie your rotor position in tandem with the grey plastic housing (so you'll have two marks at the top). Mark the shaft before you pull it out. I would mimic exactly how the stock one comes out then carry the marks onto the new distributor. See where I'm going with this? Leave the plug wires on the distributor cap, just disconnect the coil wire from the cap. If the timing is off you'll need to set the timing. Do you have a timing light and do you know how to do that?

Chythar · Mar 29, 2012

I use two pieces of tape. I put one piece of tape somewhere on the engine so the rotor inside the distributor is pointing at the tape. I also put tape on the gray housing so I know where the housing is in relation to the rotor. Be aware that when you pull the distributor out, the rotor will rotate somewhat.

You'll need to set the timing after installing the new distributor, because you won't be able to get it exactly right during the install. A couple of degrees of timing will make a difference on how the engine performs.

Never heard of the "Yay" area in California, did you mean Bay Area? Or is there actually an area called the Yay area?

webshot · Mar 29, 2012

VibrantRedGT said:
I suggest marking with a sharpie your rotor position in tandem with the grey plastic housing (so you'll have two marks at the top). Mark the shaft before you pull it out. I would mimic exactly how the stock one comes out then carry the marks onto the new distributor. See where I'm going with this? Leave the plug wires on the distributor cap, just disconnect the coil wire from the cap. If the timing is off you'll need to set the timing. Do you have a timing light and do you know how to do that?

I do not have a timing light. I have set timing before on another stang but it has been years and it was not after a distributor change. This is sounding more and more like something I should not tackle. But I do understand the points about marking the position and all.

Chythar
Thanks for chiming in, and yes "Yay" Area is another way of saying "Bay" Area.

Hef5.0weisen · Mar 30, 2012

don't be intimidated...it's an easy swap. Pop the cap off...as mentioned, note where the rotor is. All you gotta do is install the new one in the same spot. The cam drives the dizzy, off of a gear, the gear on the bottom of the dizzy shaft. It's just a matter of stabbing the dizzy right to line the teeth up, to get the rotot in the right spot. If you line it up wrong, pull it out turn it a bit re-stab.....you'll get it.

good luck...and get a timing light if you can...it's a tool you can use over and over...cheap ones are OK

webshot · Mar 31, 2012

Thanks Hef, gonna give it a go.

screamin5oh · Apr 15, 2012

yea its not hard even if you it up you can just re-stab it one notch at a time till she fires, i can do that faster then lining it up at top dead center and going threw the whole speal

revhead347 · Apr 15, 2012

Harbor Freight has a timing light on sale for like $15 this month.

Kurt

Installing distributor in a 94 Cobra

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