Shrieking distributor

[R4Algarve]

Hi folks, my newly acquired 88 GTL 220k km has a shrieking / whining and vibrating distributor, the shakes and sound changes when I try to hold the unit. I guess the shaft bearings have gone and there is mechanical contact between rotor and cap terminals ?

Could anyone confirm a part number and best source for a replacement ? Many thanks from a newbie..

My guess it has been making this noise for some time!

 

[mojobaby]

Hello R4Algarve, there aren't any bearings in the distributor, so it can't be that.

my guess is that the cap and rotor aren't a good match. Try removing the rotor and let the engine turn with the starter motor to see if the vibrations stop. Also make sure that the little felt piece at the top of the shaft is saturated with oil.

http://www.all4renault.com/ is in Portugal or Der Franzose in Germany ( a lot cheaper)

 

[R4Algarve]

Thank you MB, apologies I meant graphite bushes not bearings. The vibrations are so severe I fear the bushes may be worn..will do a rotor test, lobe smear and felt oil though, can do any harm. These old cars out here are run on a shoestring so the rotor arm may be an oversize roadside bodge :-).

 

[R4Algarve]

Update, opening it up revealed a loose plastic baffle plate below the rotor arm which was trowing itself around and falling to pieces. Black plastic removed, felt pad oiled, no noises and runs well. Can't see much use for the black plastic, apart from stopping any condensation dropping through baseplate onto points ? Anyone else removed theirs ?

 

[malcolm]

That was an easy fix! The black plastic thing has gone missing on most cars without any ill effect. My car doesn't have it.

 

[R4Algarve]

That was an easy fix! The black plastic thing has gone missing on most cars without any ill effect. My car doesn't have it.

Excellent, I'm not alone. If only the rear seat belt fixings were going to be as simple :-).