unuasual distributor cap wear

[75 mustang II]

Changed distributor cap less than 1 month ago,because of almost like grooves in the terminals.Checked the new one and its done the same thing.Its a 1995 351 with 85,000 miles.Ive had problems with a miss at various speeds.Could the distributor be trashed somehow and causing this?

 

[D.Hearne]

Yea it could, but with only 85K miles, I doubt the distributor's worn out. When I sold my 95 E150 van with it's 351, it had 160K on it and showing no sign of quiting. A bad coil will cause a miss, or bad wires. I switched to Ford Racing's 9mm wires on the van, you can't beat them for price ($40) and enclosed in the engine box like it was, they lasted longer than anything else. Is your new cap and rotor the one with brass or aluminum terminals? Brass only for me, the aluminum ones end up with black burnt stuff in no time.

 

[75 mustang II]

Thanks D.Hearne, The cap is accell with brass terminals,The coil is new and had the injectors pulled to check if they were dirty.Plug wires have been changed also.Spark plugs were changed and all cylinders seem to be firing the same.Im stumped,I guess the distributor Is next on the list. Thanks again.

 

[69gmachine]

Even though 85K is fairly low to be experiencing a worn bushing, that's exactly what it sounds like to me. You never know what a used engine has been subjected to, or if it was defective from the factory.

 

[75 mustang II]

Just got back with the new distributor.The shaft on the old one is moving a little, the new one seems alot tighter.Will know shortly.

 

[75 mustang II]

Brang the post back,I changed the distributor 3 weeks ago.Went out and started the truck today ,it ran 4 minutes and quit.Pulled the new distributor out and 5 teeth gone afew of the others were damaged. The cam is moving in and out over a 1/8 inch.It shows no movement up and down.The in and out is to excessive Im told and just replacing cam is not a option.WE think the rear bearing is damaged or possibly loose.The front bearing thrust washer shows no wear.Will have to pull the motor to check the rear thrust washer.Anyone have any ideas on what the best way to repair is? Thanks for the help.

 

[75 mustang II]

Took the parts to the local machine shop.The cam and thrust washer check out fine.The only thing that we could come up with is the timing gear had loosened up .What a pain.75 Mustang II