When I got the 89 760t - it had running probs. Turned out to be a wobbly distributor shaft. The tech at the Volvo dealership had a used one he sold me for 50,00 and put it in.

She ran great for 3 months - quit. That distributor had literally come apart. Found what looked to be a good one in a yard for 75.00 and installed it. Back on the road again.

3-4 weeks later she won't start. Had no time, so my local shop checked it out - said the distributor had oil in it. He cleaned it up, and it is back and running. (I really have doubts about the oil bit, but it was running - what could I say?)

Well, Sunday she quit again. I pulled the distributor - and this one is bad too. It has a good bit of wobble, in and out play at the shaft of about 1/4" - and a plastic ring is loose from the inside plate - at times almost locking it up.

In light of the fact that many (including Big Harry) have told me that these distributors do not usually give troubles & I had been advised to get a used one - I am wondering if I am ...
UNLUCKY IN DISTRIBUTORS !!

Any comment welcome.
--
'Be blessed in your quest'' 89 764 (130K), '94 940T (210K)

I think something is causing the distributors to fail. I would start by checking for excessive camshaft end play. Haynes says .004"-.016".

Another thought; the mating surface on the back of the head may be damaged or have some debris there resulting in cocking the distributor. This would create abnormal wear internally to the distributor.

It would make sense that a mis-alignment would cause internal damage to one of these units. They are short enough to fit even if crooked. Tightening the distributor down would cause the bushing to wear out pretty fast. I can't imagine what else besides camshaft end play would do that quick of a job on the distributor.

Check that out before you put the "new" one in! Make certain with a mirror and flashlight that there is nothing in the hole but camshaft end also.

Regards,
--
Will Dallas, www.willdallas.us, www.willdallas.org, www.willdallas.com 86 245 DL 205K miles, 93 940 250K miles, 88 765 GLE 149K miles, 86 244 DL 200K Miles

I will be sure and do the checks as I put the new (used)part in.

How would I go about checking the end play? Pull the valve cover and go from there?

Thanks, men.

--
'Be blessed in your quest'' 89 764 (110K), '94 940T (180K)

Hi Andy,

You could read camshaft endplay from the front of the camshaft. A dial indicator should be used although you can make a pointer and measure the difference. I'm not certain what determines the adjustment though. If it slides back and forth noticably then you will have to correct it. There should be something in the Haynes manual or on the FAQs pages.

Regards,
--
Will Dallas, www.willdallas.us, www.willdallas.org, www.willdallas.com 86 245 DL 205K miles, 93 940 250K miles, 88 765 GLE 149K miles, 86 244 DL 200K Miles