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Distributor won't turn to adjust timing 200 1978

posted by ekimyar on Wed Jun 23 15:56 CST 2010
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last visit: Sun Oct 7 12:50 CST 2012

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I have a new to me, super cheap craigslist find. It's a 1978 244 which the PO drove until timing belt broke, then installed the new one incorrectly. After I bought it, I re-installed the timing belt correctly.

After I replaced thetiming belt; I found a fuel injection ground (no longer grounded) that was causing the super rough idle, and now I'm checking the timing. Looks like it's at 0 degress TDC, should be 12.5.

But, after loosening the distributor clamp bolt, it will not budge for anything. Won't go clockwise, won't go counter clockwise. Will not move at all. Also looks to be at about the limit of adjustment, turned all the way clockwise, if I'm guessing correctly. I left the bolt loose and sprayed some liquid wrench down there, but I wonder-- am I'm missing something here?

Also, while I'm asking for info-- the valve cover leaks pretty good. Would replacing the gasket and reinstalling help with vacuum issues and poor idle?

Thanks very much, learning a ton on here.

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Distributor won't turn to adjust timing 200 1981

posted by 81242DLB21FCA on Sun Jul 25 17:58 CST 2010
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last visit: Thu Oct 23 22:26 CST 2014

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There is a fat O-ring in a grove around the distrubtor about a 1/4 inch below the surface of the block. This recess collects water and the iron block rusts. The rust traps the age hardened O-ring preventing the distributor's withdrawl. Factory manuals are available at k-jet.org.

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Distributor won't turn to adjust timing 200 1981

posted by ekimyar on Sun Jul 25 18:35 CST 2010
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I could certainly see the area where the O-Ring might have been, and the area around little 1/4" lip was a somewhat orange in color.

I've downloaded many of the green books from K-Jet.org, but I don't remember seeing any that specifically called out removal of the distributor. Was removal of "problem" distributors addressed in any of them?

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Distributor won't turn to adjust timing 200 1978

posted by Trev29 on Thu Jun 24 00:08 CST 2010
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last visit: Fri Oct 17 05:56 CST 2014

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The distributor sometimes gets stuck in place. Remove the hold down bolt and try gripping the base of the dist with channel locks and turn. You may have to lift the dist out and reposition it, if the bolt was blocking further adjustment. Avoid whacking the hold down flange, it's fragile.

You have the old style cam cover with the tube that goes to the air box. ('81+ engines have flame trap and oil separator on engine block near dist.) Check that the tube and flame trap is clear so that engine pressure buildup is relieved.

Replace cam gasket and use non-hardening gasket sealant which may allow gasket to be reused if cover has to be removed later.
--
1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb but electronic ignition and M46 trans in Brampton, Ont.

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Tried to pull Distributor out and broke it off at the base 200 1978

posted by ekimyar on Sun Jul 25 15:42 CST 2010
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OK, I fought with this for a few days, took a non-volvo powered road trip, and finally got at this thing with a slide hammer today (from some advice in a "how to remove distributor" thread).

After getting it to move about a 16th of an inch, it looks like it broke at the base. It's still kind of stuck as far how much it will move upward, but wriggles back and forth now (and turns freely...) Ugh.

The clamp is still good to go, it's the metal below that has sheared off.

So... I assume I'll need a new distributor-- I'm considering pick a part, but not real enthused about fighting with it. Saw some online sources (used on ebay for $55 shipped, new for $129).

Any advice? And more specifically, any advice on getting the darned thing all the way out of there? The reattached the slide hammer and still didn't have much luck. But I have not yet completely disassembled the distributor 'guts' inside, so maybe that will make it easier to get the broken piece off.

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Tried to pull Distributor out and broke it off at the base 200 1978

posted by vlvodave on Mon Aug 2 14:32 CST 2010
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last visit: Wed Oct 13 12:35 CST 2010

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Do make sure you suck out all of the shavings that fell in the distibutor hole, before you put the new one in, otherwise one of those little critters will end up in a critical spot, and cause problems. I'm probably a little too anal about the whole situation, but a little carb or brake clean in the hole will give you peace of mind, and your shopvac will work fine to get rid of the shavings. Cheers.

Dave

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Tried to pull Distributor out and broke it off at the base 200 1978

posted by Volvo From Heck on Mon Jul 26 01:42 CST 2010
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last visit: Mon Oct 13 20:56 CST 2014

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As far as the need for a replacement distributor---I have a few of them stored away. One can be yours for $10 plus postage. See if you can read the part number on the manufacturers plate located on the body of the distributor. -- Dave

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Tried to pull Distributor out and broke it off at the base 200 1978

posted by Trev29 on Mon Jul 26 00:04 CST 2010
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last visit: Fri Oct 17 05:56 CST 2014

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I haven't had a distributor break below.

With hold down bolt removed, there shouldn't be anything holding it in, except the o-ring. It just sits on the idler shaft and engages the gear. Oil around its base. Once cracked loose, pulling up on it while rotating it side to side has got it out for me.

Get it out first before you get another one.
--
1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb but electronic ignition and M46 trans in Brampton, Ont.

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Tried to pull Distributor out and broke it off at the base 200 1978

posted by ekimyar on Mon Aug 2 08:41 CST 2010
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OK, finally got the darn thing out yesterday... Wow, was it in there. And broken at the base. I have a pic, but I'm not sure I'm smart enough to get it to show here.

Anyway, looks like I need a new one-- Part number on the body of the distributor is 0 237 003 009, with IGFU 4 below that. It's a Bosch-- Are these the same Bosch 009's as on VW bugs? Funny if so, because my other project car right now is a 1974 Bug (Twin daughters, both 17...)

Thanks much for the help-- darn distributor was really, really in there. Once it was broken, I was able to get the channel locks on it enough to lever it out of there. Chewed up my timing belt cover pretty good though.

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Tried to pull Distributor out and broke it off at the base 200 1978

posted by Volvo From Heck on Mon Aug 2 13:07 CST 2010
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I have one. Contact me directly for details. -- Dave

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Tried to pull Distributor out and broke it off at the base 200 1978

posted by ekimyar on Mon Aug 2 14:12 CST 2010
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last visit: Sun Oct 7 12:50 CST 2012

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Sent you an email, if it doesn't go through please shoot me a note at dmichaelray(at)gmail.com. Eager to get her back on the road!

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Tried to pull Distributor out and broke it off at the base 200 1978

posted by Volvo From Heck on Tue Aug 3 03:07 CST 2010
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I've yet to have an e-mail go through by clicking on the e-mail icon--that's why I suggest going to my profile. I will send you a note directly. -- Dave

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