Distributor Modification?

[johnsonjf]

I have a 98 TJ, 4.0L. I’ve been having issues with my distributor lately. I had to replace the entire distributor because the cam position sensor was causing a no start issue. It runs now but i can tell it is a few degrees off. I’ve dropped it several times, going a tooth forward then one back from the original position. Right now it runs but still has some hesitation and a slight miss.

I was thinking about cutting off the 2 ears designed to hold the distributor in a fixed position. This would allow me to rotate the distributor to get the best possible timing and response.

Has anybody else done this or heard of it being done with positive results?

Thank you,
Jeff

 

[tworley]

Have you made sure you are at top dead center on the compression stroke? When at TDC it should fit exactly the way it came out.

 

[johnsonjf]

I have used the old reliable rag in #1 cylinder until it pops out method and I have looked for a timing mark on the harmonic balancer but there isn’t one, there is a timing tab on the block but nothing to reference it to. It runs alright but I can tell it is slightly out of time. Hesitation at takeoff and during acceleration, some resistance to starting initially and some sluggish idling. I’m not getting any codes but it seems to be a degree or two out of time. I’m going to try more later but was just wondering if anybody has had any success with removing the locking tabs.

Jeff

 

[Chris]

Never heard of anyone modifying it like this. The best thing to do would be to get everything back at TDC so that it’s timed right.

The other issue is that if you use anything but OE replacement Mopar sensors (especially for the CPS), it is going to cause issues almost every time.

These TJs DO NOT like sensors that aren’t OE Mopar.

 

[Boinked]

Another thing is the 1997 distributor is different from the 1998. I still don't know the difference. Maybe someone else might.

It was not uncommon for vehicle manufacturers to use existing parts on new models. I don't know if jeep did/does this. But it might not hurt to have the dealer run your vin to see what one they used.

Just a random thought......

 

[tworley]

Another thing is the 1997 distributor is different from the 1998. I still don't know the difference. Maybe someone else might.

Hmm. Never heard that before. Curious if anyone can confirm that. There was nothing special about mine in my 97 when I replaced it

 

[Boinked]

1997

Spectra Premium Distributor - New
Part #:

CH15

Line:

RPT

1998
Spectra Premium Distributor - New
Part #:

CH17

Line:

RPT

 

[Boinked]

Ok found the oem part numbers strait from https://www.moparpartssurplus.com

from what i can tell the only difference between the two is something they call a switch plate. Every other part is identical. Cap, rotor, cam sensor. Its just weird.

1997
DISTRIBUTOR. ENGINE.

Part Number: 56027028AB (04723067; 56027028)
https://www.moparpartssurplus.com/a..._5527125/Distributor-40L-Engine/00i94030.html

1998
DISTRIBUTOR. ENGINE.

Part Number: 56041034AB (56041034)
https://www.moparpartssurplus.com/a..._5527124/Distributor-40L-Engine/00i94029.html