Experiencing intermittent hard starts, whether hot or cold, can be incredibly frustrating. Recently, I encountered this exact problem after installing a refurbished Distributor Car Part from Napa. Initially, I hoped a refurbished unit would solve the issue, but unfortunately, the hard start problem persisted, eventually leading to a complete no-start condition just two weeks after installation.
Upon investigation of the Napa refurbished distributor, I discovered a loose pickup within the unit. There was no way to visibly tighten it, suggesting a potential quality control issue with the refurbished part. Uncertain about the overall reliability, I opted for a new Duralast BDLG-FD14 distributor car part. Immediately, I noticed a significant difference: the pickup in the Duralast distributor was firm and secure, exhibiting zero movement. This immediately signaled a potentially higher quality and more reliable component.
If you are facing similar issues with your distributor car part, or suspect a faulty refurbished unit, a simple check can help diagnose a loose pickup. Start by removing the distributor cap. This cap, resembling an upside-down cup with notched sides, is typically secured by two 1/4″ bolts. Removing it is straightforward, and it can only be reinstalled correctly due to matching slots. Once the cap is off, carefully examine the pickup, which is located opposite the magnet or magnet area within the distributor. If this pickup exhibits any movement at all, it’s a strong indicator of a defective distributor car part.
Alt text: Close-up of a distributor cap with visible terminals, highlighting the component’s role in distributing spark to spark plugs, essential for understanding distributor car part function.
The pickup sensor in a distributor car part is highly sensitive. It requires maintaining a precise and constant distance from both the magnet and the rotating notches within the distributor to function correctly. Information from PCM highlighted issues with sensor movement in older distributor units, causing similar problems. Initially, I was skeptical that a new, albeit refurbished, unit could be faulty. However, after experiencing the no-start condition and discovering the loose pickup, I decided to try a different distributor car part. The Duralast distributor proved to be the solution. On the first attempt after installation, the engine started immediately.
To ensure accurate engine timing after replacing the distributor car part, it’s crucial to set the timing correctly. I timed the engine to 5 degrees before Top Dead Center (TDC) with the SPOUT connector removed, as per vehicle specifications.
Having replaced two distributor car parts in quick succession, I’ve refined the installation process to be more efficient. Here’s a helpful tip for easier distributor replacement:
- Disconnect the Ignition Coil Wire: This prevents accidental engine start-up during the process.
- Remove the Distributor Cap: As described earlier, unbolt and remove the cap, but leave the spark plug wires connected to the cap itself. Carefully move the cap and wires out of the working area.
- Rotate the Engine to TDC: Use a socket and breaker bar on the crankshaft pulley bolt to manually rotate the engine clockwise. Continue rotating until the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley align with the TDC mark on the engine block.
Alt text: Illustration of timing marks alignment on a crankshaft pulley and engine block, emphasizing the visual cues for setting Top Dead Center (TDC) during distributor car part installation.
- Check Rotor Position: When the timing marks align at TDC, the rotor inside the distributor should be pointing towards the #1 spark plug terminal on the distributor cap. It should also be aligned with the magnet and pickup inside the distributor housing. This confirms the engine is at TDC on the compression stroke for cylinder #1.
Alt text: Diagram showing rotor alignment inside a distributor pointing towards the #1 spark plug terminal, illustrating correct rotor positioning relative to distributor cap terminals and internal components.
By ensuring both the timing marks are at TDC and the rotor is pointing to the #1 spark plug position, installing the new distributor car part becomes significantly easier and more accurate. If the rotor is not pointing at the #1 position when the timing marks are aligned, continue rotating the crankshaft one full revolution (360 degrees) until both conditions are met. Remember, the distributor rotates at half the speed of the crankshaft, so it takes two full crankshaft rotations for the distributor rotor to complete one full rotation.
Important Note: Simply pointing the rotor at the #1 spark plug terminal without verifying the timing marks are at TDC can result in being 180 degrees out of phase. This means the engine will be timed on the exhaust stroke of cylinder #1 instead of the compression stroke, preventing the engine from starting. Always double-check both rotor position and timing mark alignment to ensure correct distributor car part installation and proper engine timing.
In conclusion, diagnosing and replacing a faulty distributor car part, especially when dealing with refurbished units, can be a straightforward DIY task. By understanding the components, particularly the pickup sensor, and following a precise installation procedure focusing on TDC and rotor alignment, you can effectively resolve hard start issues and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly.
