'97 TJ distributor problem - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

armygroupnorth · 11-20-2010, 09:51 PM

I just replaced the distributor on my '97 4L. It ran fine but the bearing had lots of play and with the new one it runs like a toilet. It starts and idles good but anything off idle it just pops and farts. I've tried moving it back and ahead one tooth on the cam so I'm pretty sure it's timed as I followed the shop manuals procedure by pinning the rotor to the housing and putting the engine to #1 TDC compression. Just before I gave up, I had my dad rotate the distibutor with the clamp bolt out while it was running and it ran perfect when he turned it a hair CCW. Now I know I could grind the mounting clamp to sit in that position but the shop manual specifically states not to modify the housing to acheive timing because it won't work. Maybe I screwed up the plug wires by pulling the distributor out a million times, I don't know. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

On a side note: I did put the old one back in and it still started but ran like crap.

stealthjeep1 · 11-20-2010, 09:56 PM

Did you replace the distributor with a factory replacement or a Kragen/Pepboys/O'reilly's one?? I had to replace my distributor and tried 2 non factory replacements before a friend told me to use a factory distributor. Something about the factory distributor being made better. Most parts you can replace with aftermarket, but the distributor is best to stick with factory.

Have you checked the coil pack for the distributor? Plugs? Wires?

armygroupnorth · 11-20-2010, 10:11 PM

I used a mopar distributor from quadratec. I'm sure the coil/plugs/wires must be ok considering that i was able to get it to run right but with the clamp bolt out and the housing slightly rotated. I find this odd as the shop manual stated that rotating the housing will not affect timing.

armygroupnorth · 11-21-2010, 11:19 AM

Just replaced the plug wires and still no luck.

11-20-2010, 09:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
armygroupnorth Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Member # 172182 Posts: 3	'97 TJ distributor problem I just replaced the distributor on my '97 4L. It ran fine but the bearing had lots of play and with the new one it runs like a toilet. It starts and idles good but anything off idle it just pops and farts. I've tried moving it back and ahead one tooth on the cam so I'm pretty sure it's timed as I followed the shop manuals procedure by pinning the rotor to the housing and putting the engine to #1 TDC compression. Just before I gave up, I had my dad rotate the distibutor with the clamp bolt out while it was running and it ran perfect when he turned it a hair CCW. Now I know I could grind the mounting clamp to sit in that position but the shop manual specifically states not to modify the housing to acheive timing because it won't work. Maybe I screwed up the plug wires by pulling the distributor out a million times, I don't know. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. On a side note: I did put the old one back in and it still started but ran like crap.

11-20-2010, 09:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
stealthjeep1 I bet I can do that. Join Date: Feb 2005 Member # 42887 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 226	Did you replace the distributor with a factory replacement or a Kragen/Pepboys/O'reilly's one?? I had to replace my distributor and tried 2 non factory replacements before a friend told me to use a factory distributor. Something about the factory distributor being made better. Most parts you can replace with aftermarket, but the distributor is best to stick with factory. Have you checked the coil pack for the distributor? Plugs? Wires? __________________ KJ6ZRM Santa Rosa 4x4 Club 97 TJ, 4.0L, Manual, 4.5" RE Superflex Kit, 35" BFG KM2's 78 CJ5, 4.2L, Manual, 3" Skyjacker Lift, 32" Goodyear MTR's. 2005 Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4, 5.7L Hemi 2006 Chevy Silverado 1/2 ton 4x4, 5.3L Never met a rock I wouldn't park on.

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11-20-2010, 10:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
armygroupnorth Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Member # 172182 Posts: 3	I used a mopar distributor from quadratec. I'm sure the coil/plugs/wires must be ok considering that i was able to get it to run right but with the clamp bolt out and the housing slightly rotated. I find this odd as the shop manual stated that rotating the housing will not affect timing.

11-21-2010, 11:19 AM	#4 (permalink)
armygroupnorth Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Member # 172182 Posts: 3	Just replaced the plug wires and still no luck.