Distributor Cap replacement -

[tadink]

We should have a section for the truly inept - of which I would qualify.

Replaced my distributor cap, well not quite, I got the old one off and I'll be damned if I can get the new one back on. I see where the little j bits should rotate to secure the cap to the distributor - but I can't get it done!!

Is there a trick to this? The old dust cap seems to want to sit right, I can see there are notches where the cap should seat onto the dizzy - but then I'm stuck. Fiddled around with it for waaaay toooo long for such an idiot simple thing to do -

SO, I'll turn to you guys who have all done this a zillion times.

thanks in advance....

td
Napa

[tadink]

[Canada Kev]

I've had that happen in the past. For me, the cap wasn't sitting quite right. That screw head attached to the J-hooks needs to be pushed down pretty hard.

You might also try reinstalling your old cap to ensure you're doing it correctly - you know the old one fit just fine.

In the end when I had issues, the cap was just a wee bit off, causing my problem.

EDIT: Also, the screws for the hooks might have to be turned counter clockwise to go back on. Or clockwise. Or different from each other. I can't remember which. It may also be difficult to tell the correct way once you have the cap in place. Probably best to check for that before placing the cap on the distributor.

Good luck!

[DRACO A5OG]

That new cap is for a 3.2, is yours a 3.2 or?

[Canada Kev]

Looks like a 3.2 engine with the fan/heater ducting. And a cabriolet, as well?

[sugarwood]

Things like this are why I have never tried touching my cap/rotor.
Or the leaky hose underneath it.

[sugarwood]

Is that an aftermarket cap?
I like the tip of reinstalling the original one to compare.

[tadink]

hey all -

yes, 3.2L. Cap should be the right one -

I'll practice on the old cap to get the pressure / sequence just right.

Silly thing - should just snap right on but I messed with it for a really long time!!

will try again in the morning and report.....do they sit down solidly when you have them lined up or is the whole thing a bit 'tender' until clamped down? teetery?

thanks for your comments

td

[DRACO A5OG]

Okay, well the new cap is the proper one for our 3.2.

Just make sure the notch lines up with the dizzy. Do you have the dust shield? If so, make sure that lines up too.

Once seated, get your blunt nose phillips or flat screw driver and plunge the j hooks and turn clock wise.

It should latch.

[Lyle O]

FWIW, I've found that those J latches always catch easier than expected, meaning they are caught and secure when you don't realize it (simple quarter turn with even pressure). But you need even pressure all around. Assuming you properly mark the wires, you can also try removing those and attaching cap first, then add the wires when cap is secure. Please share your success.

[tadink]

YAY - success!! I found that doing this while NOT being tired was a much easier task....I finally lined it up carefully and had to REALLY push hard to get the J latch beyond the catch. Seems an odd way to attach something so critical for the operation of the engine - pretty low tech and seems easily prone to failure? but - there are lots of them out there so what do I know??

Thank you all for your help....Glasses of wine on me if you make your way to Napa!!

td

[pmax]

A two long screwdriver affair for even pressure.

CW and the J hook does extend to the tab.

Originally Posted by tadink

....I finally lined it up carefully and had to REALLY push hard to get the J latch beyond the catch. Seems an odd way to attach something so critical for the operation of the engine - pretty low tech and seems easily prone to failure? but - there are lots of them out there so what do I know??

A nifty solution to the space problem compared to the previous latching mechanism, but I agree it seems "odd" for what amounts to attaching a plastic cap yet secure it is, the cap is held tight but ... passers by must be wondering WTH is this guy up to bearing down on the car using the aforementioned technique.

[Cairo94507]

Make sure both are properly attached. My car came back from a renowned Porsche shop with only 1 "J" clamp secured....

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by tadink

YAY - success!! I found that doing this while NOT being tired was a much easier task....I finally lined it up carefully and had to REALLY push hard to get the J latch beyond the catch. Seems an odd way to attach something so critical for the operation of the engine - pretty low tech and seems easily prone to failure? but - there are lots of them out there so what do I know??

Thank you all for your help....Glasses of wine on me if you make your way to Napa!!

td

It took you 5 years to get the cap back on???

[gtc]

hahaha... it looks like Pmax brought this thread back from the dead for some reason... or maybe there was a spam post that has since been deleted?

Originally Posted by sugarwood

It took you 5 years to get the cap back on???

[pmax]

Post project test drive, it's all good, 3.2 Motronic rocks, idle seems better too !