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[gary scott]

I'm going to replace my distributor this weekend. Is this easy to do?  Just unplug wires and 2 bolts. Do I need to set timing or anything?
This way i'm hoping to fix the bare wire shorting issue for good.
Enjoying great convertible weather.
Enjoying this Capri.

[Rocketman]

Gently mark the timing & set it back as close as possible, or get a timing light & re-time if you can.

Remember the distributor shafts' blade will only slot into the intake camshaft one way, it's slightly off-center. Try to eyeball it before installing, it'll make it easier.

Replace the distributor O-ring, otherwise you'll be looking at leaks down the road. Re-man'd dizzys might come with a new ring. Little bit of engine oil on the ring will help it install a little easier.

Enjoy the warm weather!  

[gary scott]

how do i 'mark the timing'? and are the O rings universal or will I need to order one if not included?
sorry about my inexperience, I always had someone else work on my cars, but not this one. tried that in December, and took 5 weeks to get back. all i wanted was the front motor mount replaced.
now It seems like everyone here enjoys working on them And owning them.
I'm still looking for a 2nd one.

thanks

[Rocketman]

Line up & mark the head with one of the casting features on the distributor housing. Use a paint marker & scribe a line in it

The O-ring should be a stock item at your local autoparts store, I think it's a little thicker than a normal universal ring

These cars are super easy to work on compared to most, but most mechanics don't think so. Front motor mount should cost ~$15 and take about an hour to change out  

[gary scott]

ok, thanks Matt. It sounds easy enough I believe I can do it.
I think there is a timing light laying around here somewhere, maybe even two of them.

I had the mechanic in town do my motor mount back in December, that was when it took 5 weeks to get my car back. BTW I used the motor mount for a 1991 festiva.

that was when I found this forum and discovered I never wanted THAT mechanic to touch my Capri again. He cracked the intake pipe from the VAF and couldn't figure out why it would start but not run.

I asked for assistance for 2 different issues and help was there in no time. right on the money both times.

these do seem really easy to work on. Great documentation, Easy access to all corners of the engine compartment. I have never enjoyed an automobile so much.

thanks again

[gary scott]

Shoot, distributor change may get moved to Thursday if I don't get a chance tommorrow.

How long does distributor change usually take?

Thanks

[rcdraco]

As long as it takes you to remove and replace the two connectors.  Then just set up the timing, normally it's close to where you had it turned before.

[Rocketman]

Should only take 15-20 minutes, an hour max if you really take your time. It's two bolts, a few small wire connectors, and then the plug wires. Here's the correct firing order for reference:

 

Cyl#1 is on the passenger side.

[gary scott]

too easy. I WILL get it done tommorrow  
thanks Guys

[rcdraco]

As a recommendation, and probably a requirement, you might want to remove the battery before removing the distributor, as you probably already guessed on this car it gets in the way very often.

[gary scott]

Got it swapped. Less than an hour.
Dumb mistake made... #1 wire crossed with #4 wire somehow. Took almost 4 minutes and 3 distributor adjustments to see wrong wire plugged into #1 on distributor cap.

Its ALL GOOD NOW.

Thanks again for the hints and help.

[gary scott]

2 weeks and 1 hail storm later, driven every day, running fine.
top down most of next week.