Installing a Spectra Ultimate distributor. (1 Viewer)

[Wayne]

I ended up ordering an aftermarket distributor because mine is leaking through the internal shaft seal. I would attempt to rebuild it if someone offered a parts kit. I wasn't able to find one anywhere. I can't afford to buy an OEM distributor, so the Spectra is the ticket for now.

Any things to look out for during the install? I'm taking the battery and box out so I should have a straight shot at it.

 

[Comet]

Isn't that just an o-ring on the end of the distributor? Have you tried to reach @beno to discuss? Seeing how long you have been on the forum, I'm sure you know of him. He does have a $100 parts minimum though.

Engine Top Dead Center, align rotor so it comes to rest at 11 o'clock. Make sure its top dead center and not 180 degrees off top dead center.

 

[Wayne]

Comet, thanks for the quick reply. I haven't spoke to Beno directly, but I did contact my local Toyota parts counter and checked out a few online part sources for a distributor rebuild kit and no one offers one. They said the distributor is "non-rebuildable."

It's not the o-ring on the outside of the shaft housing that's leaking, it's the seal on the inside of the shaft housing. Oil is inside of the distributor and drips out the drain hole.

 

[slow95z]

i would have sold you a used one for 50 bucks

 

[Comet]

That is not pleasant. I couldn't purchase OEM either. Wish I was of better help.

 

[Wayne]

slow95z, I figured after 248,000 miles I'd just buy a new one.

 

[Wayne]

Well, the new Spectra distributor is installed and works just fine. The old one was dripping oil from the inside through the drain hole when I removed it. I'm hoping the Spectra dizzy gives me reliable and long service. I bought it from Rock Auto for $179.00.

 

[uscmas412]

Is there a way to tell which distributor o-ring is leaking without removal? Also, an oil leak from the distributor doesn't necessarily mean I'll need a new one?

 

[BILT4ME]

Is there a way to tell which distributor o-ring is leaking without removal? Also, an oil leak from the distributor doesn't necessarily mean I'll need a new one?

If the INSIDE of the distributor cap is filled with oil, it's the internal O-Ring and not rebuildable. The inside of the D-Cap should be dry, not oily.

If it's dripping oil off the OUTSIDE of the cap and down the front of the engine, its' the external O-Ring and is a 15-ish minute fix.

 

[Qball]

How about return it???

You just need the o-ring then rotor and cap.

 

[uscmas412]

Do I need to drain the oil before distributor removal?

 

[jfz80]

Do I need to drain the oil before distributor removal?

No