Distributor cap concerns
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Windsor Nova Scotia
Distributor cap concerns
Hey all:
First time ever doing this. Not up on technical jargon just know what the mechanic says. Have a 94 red convertible, standard. Bought it in 2003 and replaced the points(?) on the distributor. Car would go like stink. This past summer car would idle on the highway as if it were in too high of a gear. Replaced the spark plugs and wires. Helped a bit, quicker pick up but still that hitch as if going up a hill in too high of gear. Other mechanic said it looked like the distributor cap again and that cylinder 6 was giving less spark. This car has been driven since I first replaced the points approx. 20,000 miles over 3 summers. I heard at a Corvette show last summer that sometimes the waterpump will leak onto the distributor. Any idea if this is true? If so what is the solution as replacing distributor cap here in Nova Scotia costs me approx. $1,000.00 each time and 3 years runnning a car from May to October gets a bit disheartening. Anyways, thanks in advance for any advice given. The car is a blast to drive and I still smile everytime I meet another one and wave.
First time ever doing this. Not up on technical jargon just know what the mechanic says. Have a 94 red convertible, standard. Bought it in 2003 and replaced the points(?) on the distributor. Car would go like stink. This past summer car would idle on the highway as if it were in too high of a gear. Replaced the spark plugs and wires. Helped a bit, quicker pick up but still that hitch as if going up a hill in too high of gear. Other mechanic said it looked like the distributor cap again and that cylinder 6 was giving less spark. This car has been driven since I first replaced the points approx. 20,000 miles over 3 summers. I heard at a Corvette show last summer that sometimes the waterpump will leak onto the distributor. Any idea if this is true? If so what is the solution as replacing distributor cap here in Nova Scotia costs me approx. $1,000.00 each time and 3 years runnning a car from May to October gets a bit disheartening. Anyways, thanks in advance for any advice given. The car is a blast to drive and I still smile everytime I meet another one and wave.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 505
Likes: 1
From: Guntersville Alabama
Do not take the car to that mechanic again. He is ripping you off if he is telling you the cap is bad. It could be the entire opti spark unit. The opti spark is the distributor. A new opti only cost $450.00 US. It would only cost about $250-400.00 in labor to replace. Take the car to a reputable mechanic who knows corvettes. I do not mean to sound harsh. It makes me mad when someone takes advantage of a situation like this.
93cruiser
93cruiser
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
Likes: 9
From: Fort Knox, KY
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Get the Factory Service Manual for your car from the link below and do the job yourself.
It sounds like you need some mechanical help, so get with your local Corvette club or another Forum member in close proximity to your locale.
http://www.factoryautomanuals.com/home.php
It sounds like you need some mechanical help, so get with your local Corvette club or another Forum member in close proximity to your locale.
http://www.factoryautomanuals.com/home.php
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
Likes: 9
From: Fort Knox, KY
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
If he gets the FSM and buys the parts himself, he can still come out way on top by wrenching his own ride or partnering with other enthusiasts who I am certain will be more than glad to help him out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
"replaced the points on the distributor" hmmmmm, I admit I don't know squat about the opti, but even our earlier C4s with HEI distributors don't have points! Could be a difference in terminlogy I suppose, like replaced the cap. From your discription I'm wondering more about a clogged cat though?
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Verdad Gallardo
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Please note:
There are NO POINTS on your car. Points are in older distributor systems.
Your opti-spark (distributor) is under your waterpump on the front of the engine. It is a serviceable item but it's recommended to replace the entire unit.
Look through some of the catalogs out there and Ebay. You'll find them less than $450 USD.
Be sure you get a factory manual. You will save the price of the manual the first job you do.
Later
There are NO POINTS on your car. Points are in older distributor systems.
Your opti-spark (distributor) is under your waterpump on the front of the engine. It is a serviceable item but it's recommended to replace the entire unit.
Look through some of the catalogs out there and Ebay. You'll find them less than $450 USD.
Be sure you get a factory manual. You will save the price of the manual the first job you do.
Later
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Please note:
There are NO POINTS on your car. Points are in older distributor systems.
Your opti-spark (distributor) is under your waterpump on the front of the engine. It is a serviceable item but it's recommended to replace the entire unit.
Look through some of the catalogs out there and Ebay. You'll find them less than $450 USD.
Be sure you get a factory manual. You will save the price of the manual the first job you do.
Later
There are NO POINTS on your car. Points are in older distributor systems.
Your opti-spark (distributor) is under your waterpump on the front of the engine. It is a serviceable item but it's recommended to replace the entire unit.
Look through some of the catalogs out there and Ebay. You'll find them less than $450 USD.
Be sure you get a factory manual. You will save the price of the manual the first job you do.
Later
Sounds like you're being taken for a ride.