454 distributor thoughts

[Boom Sounds]

I've got a replacement ignition control module, so will replace that, but I always thought they kinda worked or didn't. I wasn't aware they could cause intermittent faults.


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[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Boom Sounds

Sorry Brad - I posted the wrong link. They also produce one for the TBI 1991 454, similar price, so I guess similar quality.

I did test drive after each fix. The rusty distributor was the last piece of the jigsaw. I couldn't undo two of the bolts, so couldn't replace the pickup underneath, but it seems smoother, I need to do a hundred miles to be certain. I'll order a new one and swap it out. I'm pretty happy to replace many of these items and keep the old as spares. In most cases, they've given 25 years service, so could probably use a rest. Interesting, that rust problem does seem a common fault. The rest of the engine bay is pretty much rust free so there is obviously a fault in the design of the cap; mine came without any kind of gasket. I suspect a little moisture gets trapped in there.

I generally keep the old working parts as spares as well. The distributor I bought didn't have a gasket either. If you figure out how to create a gasket for it post the info!

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Boom Sounds

I've got a replacement ignition control module, so will replace that, but I always thought they kinda worked or didn't. I wasn't aware they could cause intermittent faults.

Kinda surprised me as well. If you go to post #638 of my restoration thread you'll see the data log graphs showing the spikes that were being generated by the ICM. Interesting way for it to fail. Rather annoying as well!