Vortec distributor moisture problems forum. May 30, 2021 · I have noticed a progressing corrosion inside my distributor. 3L Blazer that also had a misfire and no start condition due to ambient moisture conditions causing flashover in the distributor cap. I am the original owner of a 2003 S-10 with the 4. Possible causes: (1)The air gap between the rotor and cap electrodes is greater on the 5. Does anyone have any words to share about cowl hood problems? Dec 2, 2014 · the moisture problem. Usually a sign of a weak coil with weak spark not self cleaning the terminals or possibly coil to distributor lead energy loss. On most distributor caps, the terminals are spaced a minimum of an inch Jan 26, 2010 · My '96 S-10 seems to have a recurring problem with contact crossfire in the distributor cap. 7 vortec engine causing the rotor to prematurely burn. Although I have not looked, most GM distributors have a vent hole in the distributor body (lower) designed to get enough air into the body to eliminate condensate water. Standard protocol (especially in a case like this where the timing is in doubt) is to hook up a scanner that is capable of reading cam retard (the low end scanners won't), and adjusting the distributor until the cam retard is reading 0 +/- 2 degrees. 7 Vortec distributor can last anywhere from 50,000 to 200,000 miles. 2) 9 months later, pulling out of driveway for a 300 mile trip with the family. Nov 6, 2012 · I've got a 99' Tahoe with the 5. Fairly small maybe 3/8 in diameter. The truck has 127,000 miles and is lucky to see 1,000 miles a year these days. Jan 28, 2020 · Never experienced any rotor cap fouling in either my pre Vortec or 2001 Vortec 4. Let it run for hour, checking for water leak, thankfully none. The T goes into the hose for the factory a/c heater controls, then the check valve so that engine vacuum pulls air from the distributor body but a back fire or fuel will not enter the distributor body, then the orifice, then the filter, then a hose to one of the barbs on the base. Start with the cheap easy stuff first and move to the more expensive harder to fix items last. Pressure in the crankcase could push fumes/moisture up the distributor shaft, where it contaminates the inside of the distributor cap. Nov 2, 2017 · The problem I found is that it did not have vents on the bottom. Vortec Engine Distributor Problem. Astro/Safari Vans. Let's review the Vortec engine distributor problem. The OE distributor cap is a low profile design which makes it susceptible to this problem. Test light preferred as it's easier to hold onto. A 5. Do I have to change out the distributor Aug 2, 2020 · The OEM Vortec distributor has a plastic housing. 7 vortec. 4L. Engines Moisture in Dist cap, cleaning and reusing cap. Water dripping on a hot distributor cap can promote electrical tracking and arcing. Your 4. Hoping that condensation issues stays between the bag and outside of the cap. After numerous tries to track down "random misfires" at a local Chevrolet dealership last spring; replacing plugs, (upgrade) plug wires, Echlin distributor cap and rotor, fuel filter, the problem came back to haunt me again. Misfire, #3 or 5, can't remember. Started misfiring THAT DAY as I drove back to the house to check on my in-laws and older kids. Engine. If at Nov 18, 2013 · I owned a 1995 GMC 4. ' Using an air blower I found that there were actual venting holes on the underside of the distributor but nowhere NEAR sufficient enough. by Schurkey » Sun Dec 24, 2017 8:37 pm I'd be looking at the PCV system. One way to reduce the chance of flashover is to reduce the high voltage requirement of the spark plugs. If it's good, there's a lot of wasted effort. Doesn't inspire confidence. Model specific subject matter experts, classified ads and more. Dec 5, 2024 · Forums. Might aswell have been Sep 15, 2010 · I don't know how you are "resetting" the distributor. 7L Vortec Distributor Problems Jump to Latest 108K views 35 replies 16 participants last post by jasons99hoe Oct 20, 2017 C Mar 25, 2022 · Wore out mentioned plugged vent screens? I Did a little searching and came across this. Feb 13, 2025 · While known for lasting over 300,000 miles with proper care, the 4. I have a couple of preliminary Idea's as to the source of the problem. 3L V6 might be giving you trouble, but most issues have straightforward fixes. Yesterday was about 65 degrees, high humidity, condensation on garage and pole barn Dec 30, 2014 · I have read a lot of posts on this forum, and others, about distributor caps and rotors having to be replaced frequently due to moisture and condensation issues. Dec 24, 2017 · Re: Vortec 350 distributor cap life. 3 V6. I went through 4 or 5 caps and rotors within 6 months and was getting fed up with the recurring issue. Jump to Latest 296 views Nov 7, 2016 · 1) My second son was born. (2) Could their be a defect in the distributor itself that wont allow the moisture to leave causing the corrosion. Or at least I thought. When I bought the van a couple years ago I replaced the stock distributor with a skip white Oct 21, 2015 · Forums. LOW PROFILE DESIGN The low profile design of the distributor caps for these applications is necessary, as the engine compartment space for the distributor is limited. the moisture problem. 3L and purchased another new one in 2007. Not sure of the year you have the tbi has a screen and I think the late model has a couple small holes in the casting boss. New distributor cap solved it. The distributor gears are also a high-failure item. Cyl 5. I have an MSD distributor with a programmable 6AL ignition system. I'm scared to yank the distributor in my '97 7. We'll also show you how to solve the issue permanently for about $65. May 14, 2014 · I have a 2002 4. started misfiring. Start warm, running-properly engine. Depending on how often the engine is used and how well it is maintained, a 5. Feb 6, 2024 · My thought is once I replace this cap and rotor again I would place a plastic bag over distributor to help alleviate condensation issues inside the cap. 7 Vortec distributor is a dependable and long-lasting engine part, it will eventually wear out and must be replaced like other engine components. Rub the probe of the test light or the alligator-clip of the jumper wire along each spark plug wire from distributor cap to spark plug. Learning about these problems helps you spot early warning signs and avoid costly repairs. 3 Vortec engine can develop several common issues like intake manifold leaks and distributor problems. Nov 13, 2018 · Okay so I've got a 2000 AWD with 140,000 and no major issues. Point is, the OEM parts are pretty half-assed; I can only imagine how bad the Chinese aftermarket units are. Sep 17, 2019 · Since timing isn't controlled by distributor rotation, I wonder if rotor-to-cap alignment problems lead to high firing voltage, lots of ozone in the cap, and misfire. 7 Vortec distributor is a reliable and durable engine component, but like all engine parts, it will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Here we'll discuss the symptoms associated with Vortec distributor failures. Mar 7, 2009 · Normally, the only S10s that have this problem are those without fender wells or are missing the A-frame rubber flap. Feb 21, 2018 · Couple weeks ago, heater hose busted on rear engine, gave cap good steam bath, replaced cap and rotor, still ran bad, next day replaced int module, engine idled fine. The 07 only has 65k miles on it. 3L Jun 14, 2020 · If needed the nipple end can be slightly shortened. Jun 8, 2020 · Gent's, I certainly HOPE this is the right spot to post something like this! Chances are many of you have a truck like this, or have had the same damned issues I have with this era 5. They hold moisture under the cap causing corrosion inside the little tunnels that are in the cap and on the rotor. 4 times, 2x on the 95 and 2x on the 07, I've had rotor and dist cap problems following warm moist conditions. I popped the cap today and was really surprised at much more corrosion there was on all the metal and aluminum components. 7 and Jul 22, 2022 · How long does a 5. 7 Vortec!! My problem for many years now: Cap & rotor get moisture, causes horrible misfire problem (stuttering. Have you checked the "Distributor Offset" using a scan tool? When I got my '97, the offset was 29 degrees, when it's supposed to be + or - 2 degrees. 7 Vortec distributor last? The 5. I now have this problem, but mine seems somewhat different -- let me explain. 1991 - 1999 Tahoe & Yukon Models this has got to be totally unreliable and will end up a moisture problem. With that plugged whatever moisture or chemical you are spraying gets trapped and burnt over an over. Couple days later started her up, missed badly and wouldn't idle How long is the lifespan of a 5. The car does not get driven much so it seams moisture just can't escape from inside. On most distributor caps, the terminals are spaced a minimum of an inch Jan 28, 2020 · Typically there is a vent screen in the distributor flange that may need cleaned. I did notice green oxidation inside the cap Chevy Forums FREE technical assistance for your restoration and repair. There were 2 blind holes where the vents would be on the original distributor but no real 'vent. Nov 6, 2012 · Have any of you had issues with cowl hoods and moisture issues with your distributors? I like the look of the hood, but I'm more concerned (I'm getting older) about dependability and longevity. When the engine warms-up, the water Apr 9, 2011 · 1997 5. 7 Vortec distributor may last from 50,000 to 200,000 miles, depending on how often the engine is used and how well it is maintained. The upgraded replacement part should last longer than the engine. 7 Vortec distributor? While the 5. to have moisture problems on the 5. Aug 31, 2020 · The problem I was having was that GM did a horrible job designing the distributors for the vortec engines. I did have green/black rotor issues, moisture, gases, corrosion, all directly related to poor running and the P0300 because the distributor can't vent correctly. Similarly, failed intake gaskets allow coolant into the oil. Jul 10, 2024 · Connect an INCANDESCENT test light or jumper wire to ground. zgaapgr luywd vwwu biaja tvgh pcusb cnkjp ftjpgpw umo tpy