Distributor Question

I'm still having problems with the engine backfiring thru the carb. I did notice that the rotor can be moved about 1/4 inch in either direction. Is this normal or is something worn?

 

There is some movement with the fly weight expanding. If you take off the rotor you will see it.

 

What engine do you have? Is the backfire on acceleration, when parked or when driving?

 

My motor was doing the same thing. Check your timing. If that is OK then check to see if your timing chain is worn. My timing chain and gears were severely worn. Disconnect your battery, remove your distributer cap(leave the wires on it so they don't get mixed up), then turn the crankshaft pulley and see how much movement it takes to move the rotor. If its not almost instant it is probably worn.

 

I have a 4 cylinder. The backfire is thru the carb as I give the engine gas. There is an initial hestitation then it backfires. Last weekend I set the timing with a timing light and it was off and I set it on the proper mark. This made a great improvement but not close to acceptable. I've put in new plugs, rotor and points. The cap is fine.

I'll check the amount of play in the chain next. Thanks.

 

Is this normal or is something worn?

 

I checked the position of the wires on the cap with my manuel and they appear to be correct.

 

With the rotor off check for movement of the shaft. There should not be any movement of the shaft.

 

Something to consider...

My L-134 runs the best at a wacky 17* :? . It actually isn't --here is why. If anyone has messed with the oil pump in the past, it may have been reassembled incorrectly thus out of sync. Not a biggie but you have to adjust accordingly like I do. Treat it as if somebody moved your timing indicator Watch your vacuum reading when timing.

 

I was under the impression that on the F head the distributor had only one way to go in.

 

True, but IIRC, your #1 should be pointing at 5 O'clock position. Due to my oil pump being off a tooth or so, my #1 is in a different time zone

 

Might want to check the accelerator pump. Backfiring and hesetation on acceleration are two symptoms of a lean mix.

 

I've got so many things to look at for this problem. I've been thinking that and need to make sure its
ok.
Thanks to all for your replies.