Question on C4 Distributor Cap
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Louisville KY
Question on C4 Distributor Cap
Getting ready to attempt pulling the tranny out of my 88 vert.
Haynes says in preparation to do so, to pull the distributor cap off. Not sure why that's needed, but the first thing they say to do in removing the cap is to remove a retaining clip that is supposed to be holding the top of the plug wires in place. My distributor has no such retaining clip and just the top of the wires and a square black electronics package with "LATCH" on it are showing.
Has someone left this part off, incorrect model or what?
Also, when I pulled a wire off of the cap, I noticed that there is some time of lubricant all over the connector. Is this normal and could this contribute to a rough idle?
I'm guessing that they want the distributor cap removed in case the engine is not properly supported when the trans comes out to avoid hitting the firewall or something. Anybody know?
Thanks in advance
Haynes says in preparation to do so, to pull the distributor cap off. Not sure why that's needed, but the first thing they say to do in removing the cap is to remove a retaining clip that is supposed to be holding the top of the plug wires in place. My distributor has no such retaining clip and just the top of the wires and a square black electronics package with "LATCH" on it are showing.
Has someone left this part off, incorrect model or what?
Also, when I pulled a wire off of the cap, I noticed that there is some time of lubricant all over the connector. Is this normal and could this contribute to a rough idle?
I'm guessing that they want the distributor cap removed in case the engine is not properly supported when the trans comes out to avoid hitting the firewall or something. Anybody know?
Thanks in advance
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Louisville KY
While I'm asking dumb questions . . .
Ready to put the car on jack stands and was wondering if there's a preferred placement for the stands. I know I need to stay between the locator triangles with the hydraulic jack, but want to make sure I place the stands in a solid spot and where they won't interfere with crossmember, exhaust removal, and the trans itself.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
C4 Guru - Jacking and Towing.
Oh, forgot, the distributor removal instructions are actually for a 1984 - the one year (that I know of) that had tabs and not screws.
Oh, forgot, the distributor removal instructions are actually for a 1984 - the one year (that I know of) that had tabs and not screws.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Removing the distrubitor is probably a good idea. You can support the engine before removing the tranny. It will sag in the rear once the tranny is off. You will also need a way to support the tranny once the driveshaft is off. I think 84 had twist locking tabs to hold the cap on and yours should have 4 screws.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 43
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From: Louisville KY
1/2 my question solved
Turns out a plate designed to sit down on top of each plug wire going into the distributor cap is missing. Trying to find a part number for it now. Distro cap has been removed and I'm ready to put it on jacks.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by chuckda
Ready to put the car on jack stands and was wondering if there's a preferred placement for the stands. I know I need to stay between the locator triangles with the hydraulic jack, but want to make sure I place the stands in a solid spot and where they won't interfere with crossmember, exhaust removal, and the trans itself.
For the jack stands, put the front ones under the frame rail where the rails turn inward just behind the front wheels. At the rear, place the stands at the rear corner just inboard of the wheelwell. Look for some square recesses in the corners.
Support the engine before you begin to unbolt and remove the C-beam. Once that is off, you can remove the driveshaft and then unbolt the tranny.
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Verdad Gallardo
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: New Albany IN
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'06-'08-'09
Hey..I am right across the river from ya. I pulled my tranny in my 88 out a couple years ago and rebuilt it. If you have any more problems I can try to help you the best I can. I may be able to swing by and help.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 43
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From: Louisville KY
I'm in the right place !!!
Bruthish . . .
Your offer of help, both knowledge and physical was unexpected and very much appreciated !! My background is pretty much ones & zeroes, but I've got a knack for making things work that have quit. (Except for a daughter-in-law).
I'm going to take you up on the knowledge portion for sure and would really like to stay in contact with you throughout the process if something doesn't look right or want to zig instead of zag. I'll be sending you some contact info shortly.
This site ROCKS and I could never have imagined the wealth of information that is available. People helping people is so much better than watching CNN Headline News . . .
Your offer of help, both knowledge and physical was unexpected and very much appreciated !! My background is pretty much ones & zeroes, but I've got a knack for making things work that have quit. (Except for a daughter-in-law).
I'm going to take you up on the knowledge portion for sure and would really like to stay in contact with you throughout the process if something doesn't look right or want to zig instead of zag. I'll be sending you some contact info shortly.
This site ROCKS and I could never have imagined the wealth of information that is available. People helping people is so much better than watching CNN Headline News . . .
