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Changing out a distributor

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by seneca4x4, Mar 16, 2006.

  1. Mar 16, 2006
    seneca4x4

    seneca4x4 New Member

    Seneca, SC
    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2003
    Messages:
    29
    The P.O. of my '85 CJ7 swapped out the electronic ignition for an early '70s distributor. Wear and tear has resulted in my pneumatic spark advance dieing on me. Of course I couldn't find an early 70s, 300 cu.in. straight-6 with a good spark advance. In fact I couldn't even find a junk yard with that old a model ford truck. So, I'm now the proud owner of a replacement distributor (from Advanced Auto).

    My question is...will I be able to remove the old unit and put in the new one be just marking the orientation of the existing distributor and orientation of the existing points and matching those "markers" with my new unit? Or, do I just need to "bite the bullet" and take it to a shop?

    [Edit] Oh yea, I don't have a timing gun. So, it'll have to be close enough for me to drive somewhere to have the time and dwell set.
     
  2. Mar 16, 2006
    73cj5

    73cj5 Member

    Maine
    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2004
    Messages:
    903
    Were you looking for a Hei distributor?
     
  3. Mar 16, 2006
    seneca4x4

    seneca4x4 New Member

    Seneca, SC
    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2003
    Messages:
    29
    NO, not yet. But, have you got one, if I decide to change?
     
  4. Mar 16, 2006
    73cj5

    73cj5 Member

    Maine
    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2004
    Messages:
    903
    Not one I'm willing to part with, But your plan with the distributor seems good. You might want to pick up a timing light if you work on your own vehicles.
     
  5. Mar 16, 2006
    seneca4x4

    seneca4x4 New Member

    Seneca, SC
    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2003
    Messages:
    29
    Yea, you think?? It's been a long time since I had to worry about timing and dwell. :rofl: 'Guess it's time to retro my tools to match my vehicles! :)
     
  6. Mar 17, 2006
    Mugzilla

    Mugzilla Member

    Pompano Beach,...
    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2003
    Messages:
    203
    Spend the $ and get the DUI. the extra dough is worth the loss of headaches.
     
  7. Mar 17, 2006
    springerfever

    springerfever Member

    suwanee, ga
    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2005
    Messages:
    273
  8. Mar 17, 2006
    80cj

    80cj Member

    Hawaii
    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2003
    Messages:
    554
    I totally agree. Put a DUI in my CJ-5. What an improvement.
     
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