Engine - Stalls/Oil Leak/No Start

85ford13

Article No. 85-9-31


OIL LEAK - 3.8L - FROM DISTRIBUTOR


STALL - 3.8L - OIL IN DISTRIBUTOR


STALL, OIL LEAK - NO START - 3.8L - OIL IN DISTRIBUTOR

FORD 1984-85 THUNDERBIRD, LTD, MUSTANG

LINCOLN-MERCURY 1984-85 COUGAR XR-7, MARQUIS, CAPRI

Engine oil leaking from the distributor base drain hole can be serviced with a replacement distributor that has a new shaft seal. Field reports indicate that stalls and no start condition can be caused by oil in the distributor.

Replace a leaking distributor with the new service replacement assembly. The following procedure is also in the Car Shop Manual Section 23 (Ignition Systems).

FIGURE 31:

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Distributor Assembly Refer to Figure 31.

Replace the distributor assembly if service procedures other than those outlined in this Section are required.

Removal
1. Disconnect primary wiring connector from distributor.

2. Using a screwdriver, remove distributor cap and position it and the attached wires aside so as not to interfere with removing the distributor.

3. Remove distributor rotor.

4. Note the position of the shaft plate, armature and rotor locating holes. This should be used as a reference during reinstallation.

NOTE: Some engines may be equipped with a security type distributor holddown bolt. Use Tool T82L-12270-A or equivalent to remove the distributor.

Hall Effect Off /On Switching
5. Remove the distributor holddown bolt and clamp. The distributor can now be removed from the engine.
Installation

1. Rotate distributor by hand to make sure it turns freely.

2. Visually inspect for the presence of the base Oring.

3. Position the rotor locating holes in the same location as when the distributor was removed. Install the distributor in the engine, maintaining the same orientation of the TFI-IV module to the engine as when removed.

4. Install the distributor holddown bolt and clamp and tighten so that the distributor can barely be rotated.

5. Install the distributor rotor and tighten the two screws to 2.8-3.9 N-m (25-35 in.lb.).

6. Reconnect the vehicle wiring harness connector to the distributor.

7. Install the distributor cap with the attached wires. Tighten the distributor capscrews to 2.0-2.6 N-m (17-23 in.lb.). Check all the spark plug wires to ensure they are seated in the cap.

8. Check the ignition timing with a timing light and adjust to specification. Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal.
9. With the initial timing verified,tighten the distributor holddown bolt to 8.0-11.5 N-m (5.9-8.5 in.lb.).


PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS

E5SZ-12127-B Ignition Distributor C


OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Reimbursable within the provisions of the Warranty and Policy Manual.

OPERATION: 12127A
TIME: 0.4 Hr. DLR. CODING: Basic Pan No. 12127 - Code: 77