SPONSORED LINKS

1995 Ford Mustang Clicking distributor

Tiny
DCH55
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 FORD MUSTANG
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 170,000 MILES
I have recently noticed that my distributor will make a clicking noise when revving the engine. The clicking/buzzing will not stop until you rev at 2500 to 3000rpm for a couple of seconds. I recently was having problems with backfiring and sputtering and changed timing. Timing was retarded almost 10 degrees to far. And this was done with SPOUT unplugged. It is now set at 10 BTDC as manufacture specifies. It seemed okay for a couple of days, but now buzzing and backfiring are starting again. The rotor button and cap hae been replaced no more than 4 weeks ago.

Thank you.
SPONSORED LINKS
Monday, August 16th, 2010 AT 6:00 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
Ticking noises from inside a distributor are nearly always the result of the rotor hitting something as it goes around. I would pull the cap off again and inspect it carefully and make sure there wasn't any contact that bent the rotor tab or anything like that. If the cap wasn't seated securely, that will happen.
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, August 16th, 2010 AT 7:30 PM
Tiny
DCH55
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I took it off and reseated the rotor, but I will check it tomorrow. May just get a new one to eliminate it. I hope that is all it is. Would a wore out distributor cause that problem?

Thank you.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, August 16th, 2010 AT 11:12 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
Yes, that is possible, but not the norm. The distributor uses bushings where the shaft spins which gets oiled automatically from below. If they run dry, they tend to make a squeaking or chirping noise. The clicking is usually the result of something making contact as it spins.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 AT 4:19 AM
Tiny
DCH55
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Modification to original post.

The buzzing/clicking does not start until it hits around 3000 rpm. It does not happen at idle. I am still looking for a bent rotor. I cannot work on it until this evening, but do I need to check for anything else?

Than you very much for all your help
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 AT 11:11 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
It's always possible that the distributor bushings are dry but you can't see that. You just have to listen through a stethoscope to determine that.
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 AT 11:29 AM
Tiny
DCH55
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I was able to get around to messing with the car today and put a new rotor and cap on it. If you rev to 2500 to 3000 it starts clicking/buzzing. I checking the distributor shaft and it looks like it has a little bit of play side to side. Does this mean it is time for a new distributor?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 AT 6:15 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
If you can be sure the noise is actually coming out of the distributor, then yes it should be replaced.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 AT 6:18 PM
Tiny
DCH55
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you for all your help.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 AT 6:20 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Ignition Distributor Content

Distributor Replacement
VIDEO
Distributor Replacement
Instructional repair video
Ignition Distributor Installation
GUIDE
Ignition Distributor Installation
An automobile engine ignition distributor is used to allocate the ignition spark from the coil to the appropriate cylinder for the combustion process to occur. In this guide...
VIEW MORE

Sponsored links