How often does distributer cap vs entire dist. go bad?

M

mikesbaron

Test Drive
Location
Utah
2003 Xterra SE with 146K miles I just picked up. While having a bunch of service done on it the mechanic says it sounds like the entire distributer needs replaced after he listened to it with stethescope tool, says it's getting noisy.

I've heard of changing out the cap and rotor but when was the last time, or does an entire distributer go bad necessitating the entire thing to be replaced?
 
T

TJTJ

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
NJ
Its not that uncommon for the dist to go south on you on the older rigs...and, its a royal PITA to make sure the right one goes back in...there are a plethora of part #'s for those things, and it won't work right unless you get the right one.

:D
 
caseycamby

caseycamby

Suspension Lift
Location
Marion, NC
I replaced my distributor a couple weeks ago with no problems. However, it wasn't the problem I was trying to solve.

I picked it up from Rock Auto, Cardone brand. Never swapped a dizzy before and did it with no problems!
 
Cruecible

Cruecible

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Location
Albuquerque, NM
I replaced my cap and rotor about 15k ago as a preventative measure. I'm hopeful that it will last a good while longer. For all I know, the previous owner of mine replaced it lol
 
M

mikesbaron

Test Drive
Location
Utah
I did a boo boo, ordered a generic distributer off ebay. turned out it was bad, left me stranded.
Had to pay for a tow truck to a shop after I couldn't get it diagnosed. Who would have thought it was the new part?
Then had to pay $220 plus $150 for mechanic to diagnose and install and time the new one. lesson learned. don't buy online crap. At least the online place is giving my money back.
 
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