engine and drivetrain Distributor help please!

[mttpekin]

This is my problem.

I have a 0 231 180 008 distributor and I am almost positive that it's one with only the retard vacuum function. the diaphragm is shot and I want to replace it. I've read that the distributor is basically trash and not worth fixing if this happens.

I have found this diaphragm http://nopi.com/dsp_parts.php?vsubpcdesc=Engine%20Compartment%20|%20Ignition%20Dist%20Vacuum%20Control

Does anyone know the part number for this diaphragm on the 008 with only retard?

Did the stock 74 2002 come with only a vacuum retard or are there some variations?

The numbers on the diaphragm bar are 046 529. the image is vague on the nopi site and I do not know if it will work.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[hanksjim1]

Many folks on the FAQ report excellent results with rebuilds from this outfit:

http://advanceddistributors.com/

Might be worth a call.

[Teko1]

Advanced Distributor recently rebuilt my mechanical advance dist. They did a fine job, are very knowledgable and recurved mine based on the current engine setup. I highly recommend calling them with your questions. The folks at Ireland Engineering suggested I call them for a rebuild of my Bosch instead of buying one of their aftermarket products. Glad I did so.

BTW, I'm a new '02 owner and have learned several important things related to the several little/not so little "fixes" that have come up. This FAQ site is awesome!

[FunkyLaneO]

Do you still have all the smog equipment installed? if it is removed then I have found that the car runs alot better without the vacuum retard hooked up, there is alot of mechanical advance built into that distributor, somewhere in the vicinity of 19 degrees which seems like too much but seems to work pretty well in my car. If you really need one I have one, send me an email.

Lane

[mttpekin]

I have been running it without the vacuum function and it has been running well. I drove it to from sd to school in slo no problem. I was wondering if it was worth fixing and apparently it's not? I've never had the retard and didnt know if it was necessary. I was going to get a hot spark ignitor and while there was wondering whether to fix it or not. As of now I am not going to get the diaphragm and put in the hot spark thing. Last question. How do you test a distributor to tell if it is worn out and needs to be rebuilt?

Thank you very much

Matt

[mttpekin]

I have been running it without the vacuum function and it has been running well. I drove it to from sd to school in slo no problem. I was wondering if it was worth fixing and apparently it's not? I've never had the retard and didnt know if it was necessary. I was going to get a hot spark ignitor and while there was wondering whether to fix it or not. As of now I am not going to get the diaphragm and put in the hot spark thing. Last question. How do you test a distributor to tell if it is worn out and needs to be rebuilt?

Thank you very much

Matt

[c.d.iesel]

..."How do you test a distributor to tell

if it is worn out and needs to be rebuilt?"

fasted way is looking at the timing mark

in the inspection hole to the rear of the starter motor

with a TIMING LIGHT. If the "BALL" mark is jumping irraticly

while held at a constant rpm - idle, 3,000 rpm, and 4,500 rpm

that is a sign of worn point cam lobes, worn & loose point cam

shaft bearing in the dist housing. That timing "BALL" should hold steady

at any rpm in the inspection window.

Condition / function of the mechanical advance can

also be observed with a timing light

time to invest in a special tool - your loosing horse power

and fuel economy by guessing without a strobe light