distributor maintenance/checks

[lifty]

Hi guys

Just a quick one
A while ago i pulled a few Zook distributors apart and they all had two things in common.

The first issue was the buildup of crud between the breaker plate and the the main plate inside the dizzy, causing severely restricted movement of the vacuum advance mechanism.

The second issue was that all of the vacuum advance diaphragms were leaking (after a day at the wreckers I would've found 8-10 dodgy units just on sierras/barinas and swifts), meaning bugger all advance would be achieved even if the plate could move freely.

I would suggest pulling the distributor apart and giving everything a clean (it's a bit of a process, but realistically not hard) and grease the bearing assembly (three very easy to lose ball bearings).

If you don't have a vacuum tool with a gauge, your gob should do just as well (make sure the hose from the diaphragm is in good condition and suck on the end furthest from the dizzy, with the rotor cap off, you should see the advance rod move and return to its original position, and there should be no air leaks). If you're not too keen to do it yourself, get your mechanic to have a sticky beak at the next service.

Obviously a correctly working distributor will have a positive effect over fuel economy and performance.

[FullyZooked]

Excellent bit of info. This was what I suspected to be the issue with my Vitara. It was a little low on power down low and also CHEWING juice on the highway. 125km to half a tank! I also noticed slight surging when cruising on the highway.

First thing I thought to check was timing and the then the Vac Advance unit. Sure enough my advance was leaking severly. It would hold no vacuum at all. This also explains my lower than usual idle.

Now my only problem now is sourcing a new advance unit. They are $110 a pop!

Does anyone happen to have one laying around that is air tight ie. Not leaking? Happy to pay of couse but not $110!
Would be much appreciated.