Idle Issue?
April 28th, 2023, 1:08 PM
#21
CF Veteran
You’re welcome - and thanks for letting us know it’s fixed - too many people fail to post follow ups.
As for the ignition tune up, it’s pretty straightforward, especially if you’ve ever done one before, but here’s a few tips:
1) The new cap should be marked with the cylinder numbers, so don’t worry too much about keeping track of the wire positions. Replace the plug wire routing clips if needed.
2) The ignition rotor tends to get stuck on the distributor shaft. If it doesn’t feel like you can remove it, use a hammer and sharp chisel to fracture the rotor sleeve. It won’t take a lot of force to break it. Clean the distributor shaft with emery cloth or equivalent and compressed air, then apply a little grease to the shaft before installing the new rotor.
3) While the cap is off, check the distributor for excessive wear by attempting to rotate it back and forth. With the rotor installed there should be less than 1/8” movement at the rotor tip. If it seems excessive, remove the distributor for inspection of the drive gear.
4) Don’t apply too much dielectric grease. IMO the best practice is to smear a little between your thumb & finger and then wipe down the spark plugs and cap, replenishing the grease as needed. You only need enough to allow the plug wires to seat correctly - too much can actually blow the boots apart as it heats up with the head & exhaust temperatures.
As for the ignition tune up, it’s pretty straightforward, especially if you’ve ever done one before, but here’s a few tips:
1) The new cap should be marked with the cylinder numbers, so don’t worry too much about keeping track of the wire positions. Replace the plug wire routing clips if needed.
2) The ignition rotor tends to get stuck on the distributor shaft. If it doesn’t feel like you can remove it, use a hammer and sharp chisel to fracture the rotor sleeve. It won’t take a lot of force to break it. Clean the distributor shaft with emery cloth or equivalent and compressed air, then apply a little grease to the shaft before installing the new rotor.
3) While the cap is off, check the distributor for excessive wear by attempting to rotate it back and forth. With the rotor installed there should be less than 1/8” movement at the rotor tip. If it seems excessive, remove the distributor for inspection of the drive gear.
4) Don’t apply too much dielectric grease. IMO the best practice is to smear a little between your thumb & finger and then wipe down the spark plugs and cap, replenishing the grease as needed. You only need enough to allow the plug wires to seat correctly - too much can actually blow the boots apart as it heats up with the head & exhaust temperatures.
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