Stator sensor/ignition pickup/PIP module

[Paul78Zephyr]

Hi all,
Can anyone discuss the stator sensor/ignition pickup/PIP module that I believe is internal to the TFI distributor used on EFI. How difficult is it to replace (what is needed to get it out)? How often does it fail? I am actually going over all the major components of my EFI conversion and have never considered this component.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[jrichker]

The PIP sensor sits in the bottom of the distributor under the shutter wheel. As the slots in the shutter wheel move past the PIP sensor, they uncover a magnet. The Hall effect sensor inside the PIP sensor sees the change in magnetic force and creates a pulse. This pulse is used to trigger the TFI when the SPOUT jumper is out. When the SPOUT jumper is in, the pulse is used by the computer to advance the timing and trigger the TFI. The PIP signal is also used by the computer to provide timing information for the fuel injectors.

A failing PIP will generate code 14. The failure symptoms often get worse as the PIP sensor heats up. Hard starting, misfire and poor performance are some of the problem symptoms.

You must press the distributor gear off the shaft to remove the distributor shaft and shutter wheel assembly. Once you have the distributor shaft/shutter wheel removed, there are two small screws that secure the PIP sensor in place. It works best to heat the distributor gear in an oven to 400 degrees or so to expand it so that it presses back on and lines up with the pin hole in the shaft.

Since pressing the gear off is a major pain, most guys just buy a remain distributor assembly.