VS Clubsport (Problem with Loose Distributor)

[team-kaos]

I have a problem with my distributor. I had it replaced 6 months ago because of a sparking problem.But recently the motor keeps missing while I am driving. I thought it might be the spark plugs but they were all OK so I checked the distributor and found that the cover was loose. As we all know, it is located in a lousy spot, at the back of the motor, almost against the fire wall. I can't tell if the clips have come off or the cover is cracked because I can't get my hand low enough to check. My son (who lives in country victoria) tells me that if I remove the inlet manifold, then I will have access to see if the clips have come off. The workshop manual I have isn't precise enough to give me "step by step" instructions. I have removed the Left and Right side covers to access the manifold bolts but I can't work out how to remove the rectangular front cover to access the front bolts. Can anyone help me with this? Or does anyone know a better way of accessing the distributor without spending money and taking the car to a mechanic? To tell the truth, I am a bit lost on these fuel injected cars. Give me a motor with a carby any day - so much easy to fix. Cheers.

[RX25SE]

No need to remove the inlet manifold. That just opens a massive can of worms.

From memory you can remove the dizzy without pulling too much off.


Could you use a small mirror and a good torch to check around the dizzy?

[VS 5.0]

^^ +1.

Alternatively, try lying across the top of the motor from front on. Make sure it isn't hot and maybe use a thick blanket, towel or similar in between you and the motor for a bit of comfort. You should get a pretty good look at it from there.

[BlackVXGTS]

The front cover is held on underneath by a butterfly nut. You can see it if you use a small mirror. You may need to use a pair of pliers or similar to loosen the nut as there is not much room. Once you remove the covers you can tie the heater hoses up out of the way so that you can get a better view of the distributor. You should be able to see and touch the passenger side clip easily without taking any covers off but the driver side clip is more difficult because of all the hoses that are in the way.

[VR38]

Have a look at a photo of the dizzy so you know what it looks like then have a feel around on a cold motor to feel if the clips are on properly.

FYI if you remove the cap, check the rotor has not been damaged and is fitted correctly and when refitting the cap look at the underside, you will see a notch that has to align up with the dizzy for it to go together correctly.