4 Distributors in 15 years??!! What the heck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Average Joe · 04-24-2017, 11:34 PM

So I was visiting with my neighbor today and he mentioned he just had to replace his distributor again for the 4th time in 15 years of truck ownership. The truck in question is a 3/4 ton 1993 4wd with a 350 and a 5 speed. Apparently, in the past, he has replaced just the module only to have it die within weeks of replacement. So now he replaces the whole distributor. He has replaced with AC Delco as well as other brands. So on average he is replacing the whole distributor every 4 years. Mechanically they appear fine, but obviously they are experiencing a electrical problem. The truck runs fine until the problem occurs. Then no spark at all. I would think its just the module?

I guess what I am asking, is there an inherent problem with ignition on these years of truck? Has anyone else experienced this? Could something be grounding out thru the distributor? He does take very good care of his rigs and the truck is stock. Thoughts??

speedygonzales · 04-25-2017, 06:33 AM

Since the cap and rotor are normal wear items and need to be replaced from time to time, my first question is could he be blaming the wrong part for replacing the entire assembly.

My 99 Vortec goes through caps and rotors like Hitler through Poland. What's even stranger is one day it will run fine and the next day won't even start. Replace cap and rotor and keep on getting it.

Tom · 04-25-2017, 07:09 PM

I've done my cap and rotor once in 100,000 miles and 11yrs of owning my 98.
Either he's missing something, or has the worst luck ever. He shouldn't be replacing them often at all.

**special-K** · 04-25-2017, 09:45 PM

I went through two modules in about two weeks on an HEI. Baffled, I checked the two wires from the base to the coil and saw cooper green a little bit outside of the base. Little cracks were the culprit. I figured it's a sensitive high voltage electronic device designed to operate within specific parameters and the resistance from the corrosion caused the issue. Pulled the wire off a parts truck, new module, and it ran ran ran.

I tried to get a module at the Chevy Dealer last year and they said they've been depleted. Imagine that. I figure places like LMC and Rock Auto clear parts before their natural time.

Average Joe · 04-26-2017, 08:14 PM

Thanks for the replies fellers. I will pass along the info.

cam.man67 · 04-26-2017, 10:57 PM

Heck, I just went through for distributor caps in a year.

04-24-2017, 11:34 PM	#1
Average Joe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 1,352	4 Distributors in 15 years??!! What the heck So I was visiting with my neighbor today and he mentioned he just had to replace his distributor again for the 4th time in 15 years of truck ownership. The truck in question is a 3/4 ton 1993 4wd with a 350 and a 5 speed. Apparently, in the past, he has replaced just the module only to have it die within weeks of replacement. So now he replaces the whole distributor. He has replaced with AC Delco as well as other brands. So on average he is replacing the whole distributor every 4 years. Mechanically they appear fine, but obviously they are experiencing a electrical problem. The truck runs fine until the problem occurs. Then no spark at all. I would think its just the module? I guess what I am asking, is there an inherent problem with ignition on these years of truck? Has anyone else experienced this? Could something be grounding out thru the distributor? He does take very good care of his rigs and the truck is stock. Thoughts?? __________________ 1967 C10 Suburban 454/TH400/3.07's An Average Joe and His 'Burb: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=775843

04-25-2017, 06:33 AM	#2
speedygonzales Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Smithfield, VA Posts: 1,501	Re: 4 Distributors in 15 years??!! What the heck Since the cap and rotor are normal wear items and need to be replaced from time to time, my first question is could he be blaming the wrong part for replacing the entire assembly. My 99 Vortec goes through caps and rotors like Hitler through Poland. What's even stranger is one day it will run fine and the next day won't even start. Replace cap and rotor and keep on getting it. __________________ 99 Z71 (98 body style) Pride and joy

04-25-2017, 07:09 PM	#3
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,690	Re: 4 Distributors in 15 years??!! What the heck I've done my cap and rotor once in 100,000 miles and 11yrs of owning my 98. Either he's missing something, or has the worst luck ever. He shouldn't be replacing them often at all. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

04-25-2017, 09:45 PM	#4
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: 4 Distributors in 15 years??!! What the heck I went through two modules in about two weeks on an HEI. Baffled, I checked the two wires from the base to the coil and saw cooper green a little bit outside of the base. Little cracks were the culprit. I figured it's a sensitive high voltage electronic device designed to operate within specific parameters and the resistance from the corrosion caused the issue. Pulled the wire off a parts truck, new module, and it ran ran ran. I tried to get a module at the Chevy Dealer last year and they said they've been depleted. Imagine that. I figure places like LMC and Rock Auto clear parts before their natural time. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

04-26-2017, 08:14 PM	#5
Average Joe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 1,352	Re: 4 Distributors in 15 years??!! What the heck Thanks for the replies fellers. I will pass along the info. __________________ 1967 C10 Suburban 454/TH400/3.07's An Average Joe and His 'Burb: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=775843

04-26-2017, 10:57 PM	#6
cam.man67 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Jefferson, MD Posts: 2,397	Re: 4 Distributors in 15 years??!! What the heck Heck, I just went through for distributor caps in a year. __________________ '68 Dodge Dart 270, 225, 904, 2.76--"Lucy" 1996 Gmc 1500 Z71, 350, 4l60e, 3.73s 1995 Jeep Wrangler Rio Grande 2.5, AX5, 4.10s 1989 Toyota Pickup 22re, auto, 3.73

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