I'm attempting to rescue an 83 244 GL, (AT) from mothballs. It has been sitting for 6-8 months with a motor that ran, (I never heard it) but was knocking. Before I was involved, a second motor from a wagon (manual, year unknown) was acquired which ran well. The ONLY difference between the motors that I could tell was the distributor. The sedan had a round plug to the distributor that Bently labels as "Chrysler", while the wagon had the rectangular "Bosch" type.

Now, the wagon motor did not have the rotor cap on it when it arrived, so I don't know if it what "white". But the rotor cap from the sedan (blue! go figure) fit both distributors.

After swapping the motor we replaced the Bosch type distributor with the one that came with the sedan with the idea that if the spark control was different, we'd want to have the same distributor with its respective computer.

Can anyone think of a reason why the new motor would not work with the round-plug type distributor vs. the rectangular type? I am getting spark and fuel, but timing is still a potential issue. I'm getting worried about the two different distributors now...

- K

'83 was a mixed year, all B23Fs got Chrysler ignition, but only some (the early ones) got the slightly inferior Chrysler distributor (round plug). The Bosch distributor with the round plug (what you have in the '83) is a drop in replacement. The Chrysler cap is WAY wider and screws onto the base, so I know you've got the Bosch.

I was always told that the round Bosch distributor was the only compatible distributor, but I believe the rectangular plug version is identical in function. There are three connections to both the round and square types, so if you really wanted to, you could probably adapt the two. I cannot confirm this to be correct, as I have not seriously looked into it.

But, all things considered, there's no reason not to use the round plug distributor you already have.
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Speed Racer, '83 240 R, '74 164 E, '93 940 OL1 (Manchester, CT)

Blue cap was probably from someplace like Pep Boys. If it fits both distributors, they are both Bosch.

The Volvo/Chrysler ICUs are the same. Round plug is supposed to be "early" ('81/'82?), so I'm a little surprised it came from the '83 sedan.

If I understand your post, you're using the sedan distributor (round plug) to match the harness plug and ICU in the sedan. That sounds like agood idea. Make sure the plug pins have "sleeves" on them for good contact.

This ign system sometimes fails to deliver a full 12 volts to the coil primary #15. As a test, run a jumper direct from the battery and see if it starts. Put a meter on #15 while cranking, if you have one.

Also, you can check for spark with the D-cap off. Rotate engine so an open "vane window" is in front of the Hall switch. Then, with key ON, simulate the rotating vane by running a feeler gauge blade past the hall switch.

This should cause one spark, and the fuel pumps should run for a second or two. Try it a few times.

Let us know if these two tips help (or not)
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Bruce Young,
'93 940-NA (current) — 240s (one V8) — 140s — 122s — since '63.

I haven't gotten to checking the two tests you mention above yet, but will this weekend. Tonight I worked my way through the ECU, checking for continuity, power etc. to each component. I found that I do not have continuity to the throttle switch. The wiring is good from the ECU connector to the ICU connector. But once the connector is plugged into the ICU, nada. I adjusted the switch itself and it happily clicks on and off as it should.

Bently claims that these connectors are "use-once" type. Since I am getting spark to the plugs, the other pins are making contact and the contacts look okay.

So, possibly, the connector is bad and I need a whole new wiring harness. (But I don't think so) Or, the ICU is bad.

Any experience on the ICUs going bad? Or maybe these connectors are really designed to self-destruct. (If so, why make a connector at all?)

-K

I can verify the round plug on a Bosch distributor, yes, in an 83 of I believe April production. I questioned the Bentley's reference here too, as I understand (don't have one) the Chrysler distributor with the white cap is huge compared to the Bosch. Seen 'em in the junkyard. But the round plug and socket mates a Bosch distributor with what is known as the Chrysler computerized ignition control system used from 82 through 88 in the 240 non turbos.
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Art Benstein near Baltimore

Thanks for the great info. I'll keep at it at nights and get back with the results.

If you don't have the ignition module from the wagon then you will want to stay with the same distributor type.

only difference i can see is if the "new" block does not have a knock sensor. otherwise, no sweat. good luck, chuck.