I have seen other people on UA-cam recommend this distributor. I suppose one could file a slot in the mounting hole so to be able to change the timing of the ignition if one wanted more advance. The computer would hear "knock or pinging" in the engine and reduce timing if necessary. So much is emission mandated today to choke the power or efficiency out of the engine.
When I have the doghouse off , I look for stuff to do while im in deep lol . Your comments about the ignition control module heat transfer jel got me thinking . Being a thinking fix it yourself . I only get a misfire after the van is operating temp and I turn the van off for a quick trip into a store . It's only at that time I get a p300 code . I've done the coil already the ICM will be as soon as it arrives . Thanks for a direct and to the point video .
I'm doing this same installation today. I had my doubts about this distributor, but the reviews are great. Gonna leave everything open until my ICM shows up in the mail this week.
@@AstroVanTribe ive already replaced the coil and went thru the motions of cutting the rivots off. I just didn't replace the ICM at the same time which I wish I would have. At least I know how to get in there now. Your video was actually one of the ones I seen that helped. All the other videos involve older vans that don't require you remove the throttle bracket.
@@AstroVanTribe yeah but with the little space to work with, it's easier to just remove the whole bracket. I'll be able to get out quick now because all the bolts are greased up and I didn't tighten everything up all the way because I was scared of stripping
Ever noticed how much endplay there is on GM distributor? Delco has a specification for that endplay clearance, but every distributor that I have seen (points type, HEI, etc), in my whole life, has a ton of clearance. Delco also has the appropriate shims to reduce that excessive clearance (thereby reducing what some people call "spark scatter"). Closing the clearance to the correct dimension would have to help, since the gear that drive the distributor is helically cut, and allowing the distributor to ride up and down would affect timing. Every time I replaced or pulled a distributor (usually to have the timing curve modified), I made sure to drive that pin out of the gear, remove the gear, shim it up to the correct clearance, and reinstall the gear and pin. I guess (despite the actual existence of a measurable dimension) GM was just to lazy to care, during assembly.....
@@AstroVanTribe No sir, it will run. Not too many are aware, that they can change it. The difference in how the vehicles run after "tuning" that clearance is slight (and better). I always wanted to get the most out of my setup. Seeing you swap that "spark spreader" made me think about the "good old days". Love the channel !!! Bike stuff !!! I'm the one who wanted to see more old cruiser bike stuff. I wanna hear about where you find the pieces that you use on those creations. I'm not in your area, so I won't be "getting in your way"....!!!!
@@stevenb.182 I really need to get some bile videos up - I just haven't had any "free" time - I do have projects on deck, though... I used to check out my local craigslist every day, usually looking for low price point bikes - I know what I see so I was scoring my parts off inexpensive "parts bikes" that were often in bad shape. I'd refurbish them a bit but I really enjoy making the finished project look like it hasn't been touched in 30+ years while still functioning like a new bike Thanks for being here
I caught a video the other day that showed that the coil would arc across to the bracket, especially when it's damp/humid out. Seems to be a common problem with Astro/Safaris... That's where the random misfire happens. ???
no, I wasn't having any crazy issues other than a misfire which, in the end, turned out to be that I really needed to sync everything with a computer - My mechanic did the "crank shaft position sensor relearn" procedure - It took a few tries but it worked, no more misfire
@@manuelester7420 You have to find a shop that has the handheld computer that they plug in under the dash - It syncs with your vans computer and the technician runs the computer systems check and can sync everything. They'll run the engine up to 4K rpms for a minute and will likely do that a few times - They watch the screen for everything to sync up together
I had that issue but I think I solved it. What was happening with my distributor is that over time all that aluminum dust/oxydation (I don't what it is exactly but it is a result from the action within the distributor cap) from the cap settled on the bottom of the distributor. There is a breather hole underneath all that. Look at the distributor from the outside and you will see a boss. There is a hole that goes from the outside to the inside. I managed to clean that out with a wire and vacuum all the dust and dirt out. No more issues after the rain. I still have to replace distributor caps because of poor quality products. When changing distributor caps I shine a light from the outside and if I can see a pinhole of light I know the breather is still clear. I hope that helps solve your problem. I live in Oregon and it rains a lot.
@@ChaplainMike777 I noticed a little of that "aluminum dust" in the bottom of my distributor - Haven't removed the rotor to get the cam shaft sensor out yet, but I will and then inspect it more
@@ChaplainMike777 i appreciate the reply! i know it has to do with the cap and rotor somehow as when i change it she starts right up! ill check that little hole... thank god for the astro community. keep up the content mike z we all appreciate it
I have seen other people on UA-cam recommend this distributor. I suppose one could file a slot in the mounting hole so to be able to change the timing of the ignition if one wanted more advance. The computer would hear "knock or pinging" in the engine and reduce timing if necessary. So much is emission mandated today to choke the power or efficiency out of the engine.
great job man, I installed the exact same one a couple months back worked like a charm cant wait till you replace the coil and icm
cheers,😊
When I have the doghouse off , I look for stuff to do while im in deep lol . Your comments about the ignition control module heat transfer jel got me thinking . Being a thinking fix it yourself . I only get a misfire after the van is operating temp and I turn the van off for a quick trip into a store . It's only at that time I get a p300 code . I've done the coil already the ICM will be as soon as it arrives . Thanks for a direct and to the point video .
ACdelco 147$ from ebay . I hope it's the final elect fix . I've got some interior work to get to .
I'm doing this same installation today. I had my doubts about this distributor, but the reviews are great. Gonna leave everything open until my ICM shows up in the mail this week.
You may find this helpful:
ua-cam.com/video/Ljw48Gd1OWQ/v-deo.html
@@AstroVanTribe ive already replaced the coil and went thru the motions of cutting the rivots off. I just didn't replace the ICM at the same time which I wish I would have. At least I know how to get in there now. Your video was actually one of the ones I seen that helped. All the other videos involve older vans that don't require you remove the throttle bracket.
@@HeavyChevyGuy You should be able to replace the ICM without removing the entire ICM/Coil bracket
@@AstroVanTribe yeah but with the little space to work with, it's easier to just remove the whole bracket. I'll be able to get out quick now because all the bolts are greased up and I didn't tighten everything up all the way because I was scared of stripping
@@AstroVanTribe got it all buttoned back up. Runs great! but I am not gonna lay into it until I get the new ICM this week.
I have a 2005 Astro Van, I want to make those changes too, because I have 151,000 miles on my Astro Van.
Good to see you got out of the AC Delco distributor.. Not quite sure what they were thinking with those stock ones..
Now I know...
Just ordered one of these. Hoping it fixes my random misfire/no start!
my most recent random misfire ended up being a faulty PCV - less than $3 and doesn't require tools
@@AstroVanTribe I’ll look into this as well! Your videos are awesome!!
@@AstroVanTribe Update - the new distributor solved my no start/random misfire!! Would definitely recommend to anyone else with similar issues!!
Well done ~ again !
Ever noticed how much endplay there is on GM distributor? Delco has a specification for that endplay clearance, but every distributor that I have seen (points type, HEI, etc), in my whole life, has a ton of clearance. Delco also has the appropriate shims to reduce that excessive clearance (thereby reducing what some people call "spark scatter"). Closing the clearance to the correct dimension would have to help, since the gear that drive the distributor is helically cut, and allowing the distributor to ride up and down would affect timing. Every time I replaced or pulled a distributor (usually to have the timing curve modified), I made sure to drive that pin out of the gear, remove the gear, shim it up to the correct clearance, and reinstall the gear and pin. I guess (despite the actual existence of a measurable dimension) GM was just to lazy to care, during assembly.....
Do you think I F'd it up? I understand what you're saying, just not aware of all that
@@AstroVanTribe No sir, it will run. Not too many are aware, that they can change it. The difference in how the vehicles run after "tuning" that clearance is slight (and better). I always wanted to get the most out of my setup. Seeing you swap that "spark spreader" made me think about the "good old days". Love the channel !!! Bike stuff !!! I'm the one who wanted to see more old cruiser bike stuff. I wanna hear about where you find the pieces that you use on those creations. I'm not in your area, so I won't be "getting in your way"....!!!!
@@stevenb.182 I really need to get some bile videos up - I just haven't had any "free" time - I do have projects on deck, though...
I used to check out my local craigslist every day, usually looking for low price point bikes - I know what I see so I was scoring my parts off inexpensive "parts bikes" that were often in bad shape. I'd refurbish them a bit but I really enjoy making the finished project look like it hasn't been touched in 30+ years while still functioning like a new bike
Thanks for being here
I caught a video the other day that showed that the coil would arc across to the bracket, especially when it's damp/humid out. Seems to be a common problem with Astro/Safaris...
That's where the random misfire happens. ???
I'm not sure but I'll be replacing it soon
It's computer adjustment but you still need to set it at zero 0
When you made the change of Distributor, cables and spark plugs. Did you notice any major changes?
no, I wasn't having any crazy issues other than a misfire which, in the end, turned out to be that I really needed to sync everything with a computer - My mechanic did the "crank shaft position sensor relearn" procedure - It took a few tries but it worked, no more misfire
@@AstroVanTribe Thank you.
@@AstroVanTribeCan you please explain what the (crankshaft position sensor relearn) is???
@@manuelester7420 You have to find a shop that has the handheld computer that they plug in under the dash - It syncs with your vans computer and the technician runs the computer systems check and can sync everything. They'll run the engine up to 4K rpms for a minute and will likely do that a few times - They watch the screen for everything to sync up together
How's this doing, about a year later?
This thing is running like a top.... Just got in after a 4-1/2 hour drive at mostly speeds between 72 - 86 mph - Zero issues
@@AstroVanTribe great, thanks, Mike!
@@itsmisterbrown I was just about to ask the same. Thanks, Mike!
I have a question . How has this distributor brand worked on your Astro van ?
Everything is fine so far....
@@AstroVanTribe Great.
did you have a no start on rainy days issue?
No, see previous videos
I had that issue but I think I solved it. What was happening with my distributor is that over time all that aluminum dust/oxydation (I don't what it is exactly but it is a result from the action within the distributor cap) from the cap settled on the bottom of the distributor. There is a breather hole underneath all that. Look at the distributor from the outside and you will see a boss. There is a hole that goes from the outside to the inside. I managed to clean that out with a wire and vacuum all the dust and dirt out. No more issues after the rain. I still have to replace distributor caps because of poor quality products. When changing distributor caps I shine a light from the outside and if I can see a pinhole of light I know the breather is still clear. I hope that helps solve your problem. I live in Oregon and it rains a lot.
@@ChaplainMike777 I noticed a little of that "aluminum dust" in the bottom of my distributor - Haven't removed the rotor to get the cam shaft sensor out yet, but I will and then inspect it more
@@ChaplainMike777 i appreciate the reply! i know it has to do with the cap and rotor somehow as when i change it she starts right up! ill check that little hole... thank god for the astro community. keep up the content mike z we all appreciate it
I figured it was the distributor such a common problem with 4.3
I still think it's more to do with the coil/ICM - I'll be swapping them soon