distributor rebuild question

[Landscape]

My car won't start without me tapping on the side of the distributor while cranking, and then it will not idle and dies if the RPM drops below 1200. I ordered a distributor rebuild kit, and was wondering if I can do this without removing the distributor from the motor.

82 320I 1.8L M10, electronic distributor (no points)

Thanks

[darkhorse737]

Originally Posted by Landscape

My car won't start without me tapping on the side of the distributor while cranking, and then it will not idle and dies if the RPM drops below 1200. I ordered a distributor rebuild kit, and was wondering if I can do this without removing the distributor from the motor.

82 320I 1.8L M10, electronic distributor (no points)

Thanks

You can, but you'll find the job much easier if you take out the distributor. That gives you a chance to check the distributor bushing as well. Pretty starighforward job. mark the distributor case with some reference point and also note position of the rotor when u remove. To re-install just follow your marks and u should be alright ;-)

[Landscape]

ok i removed the distributor, removed the rotor, and the snap ring under it on the shaft, nothing seems to want to come off of the thing and I don't want to damage it trying to pry parts out.

anyone done this can give me a step by step?

Thanks

[darkhorse737]

you don't need to take the distributor apart piece-by-piece.

Now that u have it out, check the bushings by turning the shaft with ur fingers and see to it that there is no binding of any sort. Then. move the shaft from side-to-side in several directions-any side play felt means that you have found the cause of your problem :-)

Changing distributor bushings is a repair tht is pretty much by the wayside by now, and if they prove faulty, i seriously doubt u'll find replacements anywhere. If you feel any play, it's time to change the whole distributor.