Distributor Cap & Wires
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
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Distributor Cap & Wires
I am going to replace my Distributop Cap & Plug Wires on my newly acquired '85. What would be the best procedure? Transfer all the wires over to the new cap 1 by 1...then replace the wires to the plugs 1 by 1? What do you think is the best way? Thanks ( naturally I will do the plugs and rotor also) 
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,829
Likes: 214
From: Charlestown IN
Cruise-In V Veteran
Let me just say this first- whatever you do, don't loose track of which wire length goes where!! 
The firing order is 1 8 4 3 6 5 7 2
With that said, I'd mark your old wires on top with white marker ie; paint pen, then pull the cap and replace all that stuff. Then 1 by 1, take off a wire, match its length, and replace. Put a little dielctric grease in the ends before you snap them on. They'll come off easier next time. If you check the C4 Tech Tips section, you'll find lots of useful info
The firing order is 1 8 4 3 6 5 7 2 With that said, I'd mark your old wires on top with white marker ie; paint pen, then pull the cap and replace all that stuff. Then 1 by 1, take off a wire, match its length, and replace. Put a little dielctric grease in the ends before you snap them on. They'll come off easier next time. If you check the C4 Tech Tips section, you'll find lots of useful info
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 5
From: Chesapeake VA
I just replaced the rotor and cap in my 86. What I did was use masking tape and put a little tape "flag" with a number on each wire at the distributor. I just numbered them in order and remembered where #1 started. It worked well, but I was surprised at how many steps were involved (moving the coil to the new cap) and how difficult it was to get to the back 2 screws off/on the cap (it's not really that hard, but it just seems like GM could have made it easier than it is).
HTH
HTH
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,032
Likes: 4
Just replaced the cap today on my 85 (after replacing plugs a few weeks ago). The hardest part is working around that stupid plastic shroud below the wipers... Good lord that was frustrating... i just moved my plugs one by one over to the new cap, then installed the new cap.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
I found it easy when I pulled all the wires from the dist cap, removed the cap and then ran each wire one by one from the plugs. Also I marked each plug number on the cap end of each wire.
That way I could easily get the wire length and routing correct.
That way I could easily get the wire length and routing correct.
