1987 Distributor Parts
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
1987 Distributor Parts
In the process of disassembling the distributor (full of rust) I found all of the internal plastic parts crumbling into dust. Even the pickup coil is self destructing. The only parts salvageable are the screws, the module, and the capacitor. Is there a supplier for the plastic stuff or do I have to buy a new distributor? I googled "1987 GM internal distributor parts" and got zilch.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 375
Likes: 18
From: Lawrenceville Georgia
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
The plastic strain relief is part of the 4 wire harness and no longer available. The usual "fix" is to just let the wires hang out the back. There is no movement there, so they won't chafe.
You can buy the capacitor and related wiring/connectors at any auto parts store as an assembly.
The pickup coils do self destruct. Mine is fine after 30 years, but I have heard of others crumbling into pieces.
You can buy the capacitor and related wiring/connectors at any auto parts store as an assembly.
The pickup coils do self destruct. Mine is fine after 30 years, but I have heard of others crumbling into pieces.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 96
From: Magnolia Tx
In the process of disassembling the distributor (full of rust) I found all of the internal plastic parts crumbling into dust. Even the pickup coil is self destructing. The only parts salvageable are the screws, the module, and the capacitor. Is there a supplier for the plastic stuff or do I have to buy a new distributor? I googled "1987 GM internal distributor parts" and got zilch.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
All of the internal connections are crumbling except for the module itself. I suspect it will still run, but I can't let my wife drive the car knowing the distributor is in such bad shape. I guess I'll "go fish". Also...good connector web site, but no distributor parts there.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
The capacitor is fine. But thanks for the tip.... I'll take the distributor there and see what they can do for me.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 706
Likes: 47
From: Denver Colorado
Check DUI, Davis Unified Ignition, for part number 12611BK, its a complete HEI distributor for GM computerized engines. Summit has them. I believe this is the unit I put on my old 84 when the OEM one turned to dust. I know I used a DUI and it was bolt on. Not inexpensive, about $300.00, but a very nice unit that I just bolted in. Use the stock dust cover... the fancy DUI one hits the hood... too tall!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
Check DUI, Davis Unified Ignition, for part number 12611BK, its a complete HEI distributor for GM computerized engines. Summit has them. I believe this is the unit I put on my old 84 when the OEM one turned to dust. I know I used a DUI and it was bolt on. Not inexpensive, about $300.00, but a very nice unit that I just bolted in. Use the stock dust cover... the fancy DUI one hits the hood... too tall!
Last edited by WVZR-1; Jan 31, 2016 at 05:11 AM.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
Didn't realize the "capacitor" was sold including the harness... so... Purchased the capacitor (& harness) from Amazon for $12.31 (SMP RC-4) and the pickup coil from Rockauto for $27.79 (Airtex/Werlls 4P1209 (DR110)). I will encase the main harness where it enters the housing in epoxy.
RE: O'Reillys.... they just looked at me like a deer in the headlights.
The main harness is not available.
RE: O'Reillys.... they just looked at me like a deer in the headlights.
The main harness is not available.
Last edited by Tom454; Jan 31, 2016 at 08:46 AM. Reason: Added info
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
I got caught having to buy a rebuilt dizzy from NAPA because I burned thru the whole 2 pick up coils available in this 1 mil + population town. Had to have the car back up and running Monday morning to get to work. I would think a major supplier like NAPA would have these pieces sans a pick up mebee. The other big chains leave a lot to be desired at times for our cars.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
I got caught having to buy a rebuilt dizzy from NAPA because I burned thru the whole 2 pick up coils available in this 1 mil + population town. Had to have the car back up and running Monday morning to get to work. I would think a major supplier like NAPA would have these pieces sans a pick up mebee. The other big chains leave a lot to be desired at times for our cars.
Capacitor & harness: MPE RR231SB
Main harness 3 wire connector to module: ECH EC113
Pickup Coil: MPE MP117SB
They do not list the 4 wire main harness connector or the main harness complete.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
I have one of the DUI distributors, and it's only a stock Delco Remy unit with their own coil, cap, and ignition control module installed , nothing special about it that you can't get cheaper putting one together yourself..What you can do is contact DUI and tell them you need a part for one of their distributors, and they should sell it to you....I would imagine they sell parts to back up their own distributors......WW
Last edited by WW7; Feb 1, 2016 at 08:17 AM.