3.2 Distributor

[NotStock]

Folks,

Just pulled my distributor apart and found that one arm swings freely, but one seems locked out (or jammed?). The distributor is only able to advance a few degrees before it runs into the jammed or locked arm. Should my distributor be locked out or is this an issue? Its an 84 3.2 if that makes a difference. I can't seem to find a lot of info.

Thanks!

[Pedro '84 Coupe]

Doesn't sound normal. Did you completely disassemble it? Post some pics to see if there is any unusual wear.

[NotStock]

Didn't seem normal to me either.

And now I'm finding its stuck in place, so that's a whole new adventure. I read the whole "drive it to warm it up" thing works, but what happens if your motor is on a jack in your garage? What then? I'm going to put a heat gun on it tomorrow because today's prying wasn't successful.

[Pedro '84 Coupe]

Don't pry anything. You have to punch out or drill the pin on the gear. Then it all comes apart easily. You may need a shim and washer kit, which will also come with a new pin.

[Solamar]

I'm pretty sure that on the Carrera 3.2 motor all ignition timing is handled by the DME (computer). The distributors sole purpose is to create a electrical path to the correct spark plugs.

Your distributor is probably just fine.

[911obgyn]

There is an advance mechanisim in there and it should move. The thing to check is the play of the rotor side to side and up and down. Disributor removal has to overcome the crispy O ring and built up residue on the housing.

[911obgyn]

And the DME does control timing!
The advance does work a couple of degrees to keep the spark in the correct gap in the cap and rotor.

[E Sully]

The DME controls timing, but the centrifugal weights must move freely to keep the rotor and cap in phase as the timing changes.
This was mine when I bought the engine, quite a mess.



It needs to be removed and cleaned up to operate properly.
After cleaning.



My 1973 distributor apart. Toughest part is the circlip inside top of shaft. You might also have to replace phenolic spacers by lower gear if you have excess clearance, along with a new pin for the gear. https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/93060292200OEM.htm?pn=930-602-922-00-OEM&bt=Y&fs=0&SVSVSI=810

[NotStock]

Yep, the distributor needs to advance to keep the rotor pointed at the correct terminal. DME handles timing, but the distributor still needs to be pointed roughly at the terminal when the DME fires.

My problem right now is actually getting the damn thing out of the block. Does pelican have a rebuild kit for the distributor? I'm having a hard time finding it.

[RogueEngineer]

My distributor was always weird about this. I would pry and pry..and then sometimes it would let go with the slightest pull.

Same way on install.

My recommendation is to use a pry bar -gently- and work the distributor, rotationally, through the tiny amount of play present between the hole and the retaining stud. Gently side taps with a rubber mallet also seem to help free up any stiction present.

Sometimes the aluminum housing can catch the edge of the stud sticking out and bind.

[gtc]

Don't forget to turn the engine to TDC so you know where to set the rotor when you reinstall the distributor.

Parts Klassik should have any parts you need.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by gtc

Don't forget to turn the engine to TDC so you know where to set the rotor when you reinstall the distributor.

Parts Klassik should have any parts you need.

That is important information. Don't just yank it out without setting it to TDC #1.

[gtc]

Yeah... guess how i learned that one...

[NotStock]

Distributor came out. This motor sat for 10 years and I know the dist hadn't been removed for the 20 before that. Once the corrosion in the bore broke loose the rest was just fighting the o ring.

I found that one weight had rusted to the backing plate. No big deal. So now I need a pin so I can dismantle and fully clean this thing up. Any idea where to get rebuild parts for this distributor?

[Marc Bixen]

Give Glen a call for a perfect rebuild:
https://www.glennyeemotorsports.com/contact.html

[NotStock]

Appreciate the contact, but I'm more of a DIY guy, especially on things that look straight forward like this. More interested in a parts kit with a pin so I can take the gear out. Everything else seems serviceable in there except maybe one of the little red washers. It mainly needs the rust and corrosion cleaned off the pins and backing plate. I pulled the weights and springs and cleaned those up. It works now, but I'm not satisfied since its not perfectly smooth.

[HaroldMHedge]

When rebuilding my 3.2L ignition distributor I used 2 VW Distributor Repair Kits 12118630239 - Bosch 1237010007. You need two kits for the fiber/phenolic shims (1/kit).

P****k*****k has a kit with bronze shims which replace the fiber/phenolic shims.

I'm not sure where to get the Oilite bushings if needed for the housing.

Search the Pelican Parts for rebuilding the distributor and you will find all the information needed to rebuild your distributor. Here are several of the better threads.
Distributor Tune Up - Repair
Distributor service (Clean and lube) real easy without removing the pinion gear!
83 sc distributor Has TSB 78-04 Distributor Changes and really good information on gear removal/installation and shim placement. Yes, it discusses earlier distributors but it's still applicable.
distributor lube... Bosch distributor lube is difficult to find but Lubricam Distributor Points Lube seems to be a good substitute.

[Pedro '84 Coupe]

Sorry, man. Thought you already had it out of the block. I used the Parts Klassik kit that gtc and HaroldMHedge refer to. I also got a new felt pad. You can totally DIY this.

[touringmandan]

Parts Klassik has always done a beautiful job at a fair price for me. Jerry Woods has a great rep as well.
"Scary"Barry Hershon at Distributorlab may have the skills, but dealing with his pricing and "eccentricities" is way beyond reason. Do your due diligence before engaging with Mr. Hershon.
You have been forewarned.