[Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. in Automotive http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20720600 en Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:11:55 EDT Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:11:55 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20748934 wenter99 : I found this site: Setting Ignition Points. Scroll down about halfway to "Setting the point gap". It's not oriented toward Toyota, but the proceedure is exactly the same as your 4 cylinder. The gap info is even the same .016"-.020" [inch], ( or about .508mm). The .032" point gap setting I gave in an earlier post is not correct, so disregard it.

It will help you understand the simple proceedure for setting your points with a feeler gauge. At least you can keep your car running good and save some gas until you decide to to convert to electronic ignition.

Take care,

Terry
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"Sometimes all you can do is just hunker down and take it, like a jackass caught out in a hail storm". LBJ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20748934 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:28:37 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20748504 wenter99 :
said by Angralitux See Profile :

I didn't do the gap thing, and I dont have idea of how one do that, may be grinding the contacts?
No grinding involved, you just need a screwdriver and feeler gauge. I'll try to find a website that shows photos how to do it and post a link for you. It's a simple adjustment to the points. It is also essential that gap not be to wide or to narrow for their proper operation and long life. If gap not set properly could also be what caused the other point-set to be so badly burned if mechanic really changed it 15,000 miles ago.

said by Angralitux See Profile :

Another thing is the ground cable, I couldnt get the cable out, because the screw was so hard, so what I did is to clean the copper on the cable and screw the cable under the bolt without the little contact, just the cable. I hope it doesnt get loose, anyway I'm keeping an eye on the thing
That should not be a problem. You have the wire secure under the screw head, so it should make good elictrical contact and stay in place.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20748504 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 11:08:58 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20748403 Angralitux : nope, I dont like to stuff stupid things like a earthquake-causing stereo (no offense to the one that like that); the abnormal worn on the point should be the something that was not well adjusted in there, maybe the gap you where talking about....

I didn't do the gap thing, and I dont have idea of how one do that, may be grinding the contacts?

Another thing is the ground cable, I couldnt get the cable out, because the screw was so hard, so what I did is to clean the copper on the cable and screw the cable under the bolt without the little contact, just the cable. I hope it doesnt get loose, anyway I'm keeping an eye on the thing ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20748403 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 10:33:22 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20748370 Angralitux : for both of them I spent less than the equivalent of US$8.00, but that were the wrong ones, the guy at the first store replaced the point with the right one at no cost, but he didnt carry the condenser with 2 cables.

He reccomended to go to store, I went there, and the owner, who runs his own business, charged me for the condenser what I paid for the two things new on the first store.... nahh, I'll let that story for another day, the thing is that I spent about US$12.00]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20748370 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 10:26:35 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20748346 wenter99 : And a little follow-up question or 2 here:

I'm thinking that if your mechanic REALLY changed your points only 15,000 miles back, under normal conditions they shouldn't be bad as they are in yor photo. You don't frequently leave the cars ignition turned on without the engine running, do you? Like if you just want to sit somewhere and listen to the car radio, for example, with engine turned off but ignition key in car turned on?

Do you have any ideas yet where your cars engine is leaking the oil? It could be a number of places on top side of engine. May not even be coming from the distributor.

Just a few questions for thinking about...
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"Sometimes all you can do is just hunker down and take it, like a jackass caught out in a hail storm". LBJ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20748346 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 10:18:05 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20748301 wenter99 : Yes, the little jumper cable you mentioned is a "ground strap". Good thing you noticed it was weak and corrected it.

Your spark plugs look good. No excess wear or burn on the electrodes, so, the good brush cleaning you gave them should be all that's needed.

Your points, WOW, I've never seen any burned that bad. They were definitely SHOT! And you changed the condenser too, that's good, your old one looks like it may never have been changed before. If you can find the distributor cap and rotor I'd recommend you change those as well.

Were you able to put approx. 1/32" inch (0.032" inch) gap between the contacts on the points? You didn't mention, so I'm curious.

I'm glad to know you got out and did this job. I'm sure you're feeling good because you did it yourself and got good results with the car.

BTW, I'm curious about what you paid for the point and condenser set in D.R. I haven't bought any here in years, but used to be they were less than US$7.00 for both.

Good job, good day,

Terry
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"Sometimes all you can do is just hunker down and take it, like a jackass caught out in a hail storm". LBJ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20748301 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:55:50 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20746232 Angralitux : I forgot to say, sparkplugs were not oily, it was more like carbon deposits.
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All Is possible...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20746232 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:09:06 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20746222 Angralitux : Also, I checked with a multimeter how was the voltage on the system, and was steady at 14.36V; I guess the alternator is still good.

on my last post, you can see the on the first pic, the jumper cable I was talking about. Also, part of the gasket, which I marked, is gone... it was toast :S I was afraid to damage the car, so I didn't went on to disassemble the whole dist and change all gaskets, although it would be fun to do it.

I'll post more when I got cap replaced and see what the mechanic says about the electronic one... If it's too expensive, I'll let it pass and correct the oil leak, if not, I may give it a try.
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All Is possible...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20746222 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:07:37 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20746186 Angralitux : here are the pics:
Click for full size
gasket and jumper
Click for full size
wrong cond and point
Click for full size
mF ? ITS a cap!
Click for full size
first sparkplug, brushed!
Click for full size
second sparkplug, brushed!
Click for full size
third sparkplug, brushed!
Click for full size
fourth sparkplug, brushed too
Click for full size
Old point
Click for full size
old point 2
Click for full size
old cond
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20746186 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:58:42 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20746077 Angralitux : I failed to say didn't know what was a condenser or a contact point when I started the thread. After further reading, I got to know what was that, but still didn't had idea how it looks on my car. Then I got a read to my notes/invoices about what I have spent on the car to now, that's why I could recall what the guy was changing at the time, with the knowledge I have now, when I said what I had changed. no offense intended, just newbie ignorance.

hell, after reading a bit more, I discovered that the "condenser" is really a capacitor. I was confused, because the condenser part on the AC system.

well, today I decided to give a try, I suspected the work to be done would be a bit difficult to me, but parts were to be cheap. Wrong, First thing is that I didnt got the right ones, condenser and points. it was a pain to get them, but I found a place. Got to work, I discovered a little jumper cable that got from the metal of the dist, was barely conducting, it was full of oil and dirt everywhere, and just one little "hair" of the cable was doing the connection.

I took the point out, and the contact was all worn out. Also condenser went, installed the new ones, and also checked sparkplugs and brushed them. I couldnt find the cap of the rotor, but I just asked on the place I did find the right points and condenser, I believe it shouldn't be difficult to get.

After all was put again, I got a little grease that come with points and apply it on the rod where it make contact. fire the car up, and it came alive instantly!! Believe me it was day and night difference before and now. the car even started to ping and know a bit when I put on the gas, I adjusted the "octane knob" to the point it went away.

I will post shortly pics of the old components.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20746077 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:33:25 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20744854 wenter99 : Now, on July 2 you said:

said by Angralitux See Profile :

well, the car had about 60,000 miles on it when I bought it. now the car has 80,000 and I really doubt the original owner changed anything from the ignition. I have not changed anything on it yet, so I believe this could be an issue :S
Yes, I believed it could have been a big issue too... So I made my suggestions based on this.

But, on July 5 you said:
said by Angralitux See Profile :

Thanks a lot for your advice, but again, what you recommend after seeing what I posted? :)

PS:

to date, I have changed wires and sparkplugs, I changed the original points about 15,000 miles ago, the guy never recommended changing the condenser :(
I doubt you put 15,000 miles on the car in 3 days.

I say you're providing inconsistant information, and that makes it difficult for someone to really help you. You're obviously trying to find every reason under the sun to justify rigging an electronic ignition into that car of yours...

Get happy, just go and do it! ;)

Terry]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20744854 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:27:17 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20744520 3SGTE : If those points were changed 15,000 miles ago, then you have a fairly serious oil leak from the distributor shaft seal. You can see where the oil is pooling around one of the terminals in the distributor cap.

That leak is a strong argument for a new/different distributor (be it Toyota or aftermarket).

Some people repair distributors by replacing the seals. I could not find any examples for your distributor, but I found a writeup for a different model.

You can get an image here of what is needed. Use this info if you decide to try repairing that distributor:

»www.ectoyotas.com/?page_id=18

I'm still digging on the wiring info for the OE type conversion.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20744520 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:41:16 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20744256 Angralitux : I'm sure what you're saying is true, I'm just trying to see what would be more convenient, please DONT get me wrong, I'm not putting down your what you recommended, but there are a few issues you are not considering, wich I'm going to enumerate:

1. Mechanics here don't understand why one have to gap points or sparkplugs (I dont have problems here, I can get the necessary help here to do it from you or others).

2. Parts for this car are tricky to get, not the hardest but enough to consider getting the thing wich will need the less amount of mainteniance.

then, I'll have to fix the oil leak first of all, when this is to be done, I have to know wich course I'll be taking ( get it converted or replace the worn parts).

now, if get it converted cost the same as replace the thing, I may think about doing it, doesnt sound like a good idea??

THANKS a lot for your advice, but again, what you recommend after seeing what I posted? :)

PS:

to date, I have changed wires and sparkplugs, I changed the original points about 15,000 miles ago, the guy never recommended changing the condenser :(

3. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20744256 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 02:51:15 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20743371 wenter99 :
said by Angralitux See Profile :

beep beep beep... here are some pics on the distributor... beep beep beep ... this car is too complex to do some DIY mod's, everytime I want to do one to improve something :mad:
Young man, Please take the advice I offered in my second post to you, I offered it sincerely. I'm not posting here to impress anyone.

Your photos are pretty good and I can see oil and some scoring on the contacts of your distributor cap. You mentioned in your second post (IIRC) that this car has probably never been maintained (AND IT'S 16 YEARS OLD!). Your ignition components are old and worn out!

Please, forget the electronic ignition stuff. You don't need to modify anything... you just need to do some routine maintenance on what you already have.

Go buy (or have your mechanic do it) a new distributor cap, rotor, points, spark plugs, condenser and plug & coil wires. When you have the old points and condenser out of the distributor, clean it thourghly, wipe it out with clean rags... wipe it dry so no oil or WD-40 residue remains.

Gap the new spark plugs and install them. Install the new points and gap them (if you don't know how, tell me). Put in the new condenser and rotor, and install the wires.

I used to do these things to my old cars when I was a teenager. They are not difficult to do. It is very, very satisfing afterward, when you feel how much better the car runs...

Terry]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20743371 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 20:58:44 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20741156 Angralitux : ohh, I also took a can of WD-40 and sprayed some to get the dirt and oil out after I took the pictures, will this cause issues on it?? I hope not :S
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All Is possible...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20741156 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:25:45 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20741141 Angralitux : here are some pics on the distributor... 3SGTE, you're right about the vacuum type; the distributor has a line that comes from the carb, suggesting is one of these :(... this car is too complex to do some DIY mod's, everytime I want to do one to improve something :mad:

Take a look at the knob to adjust octane I was talking about. I cant clearly see the numbers on the pics, and I didn't have paper and pen, but looking at the pics, the plate says these:

Toyota
19100-11050
229100-538
2E

hope this helps!
--
All Is possible...
Click for full size
View of the dist.
Click for full size
Line coming from carb
Click for full size
plate on distributor
Click for full size
another view
Click for full size
Inside... leak of oil 1
Click for full size
Inside... leak of oil 2
Click for full size
Distributor cap 1
Click for full size
Distributor cap 2
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20741141 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:23:51 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20738424 3SGTE : I will try and dig up a little more info later. I have to run now.

Based on your picture, it does look like you have vacuum advance.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20738424 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:14:09 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20737687 Angralitux : do you believe the one in my car has vacuum advance?? I dont see any hose going in there..

The only thing I can see on the distributor itself is a little knob that the manual that came with the car says is to adjust the gas octane. I believe it's for advance or back the timing.

I found this page too:

»www.hot-spark.com/

looks like the :

"Hot-Spark Electronic Ignition Conversion Kit for four-cylinder Bosch vacuum-advance distributors"

may be one that can be fitted to mine.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20737687 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:34:57 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20737362 wenter99 :
said by Angralitux See Profile :

And thanks for explaining, very helpful info posted by you here! :)
You're welcome Angralitux. It was my pleasure chatting with you!

The links I posted were for reference only. I wasn't even suggesting you buy anything from J.C. Whitney. If you decide to buy a conversion kit, there are probably a thousand other websites out there that sell them.

Now that 3SGTE has come on scene and rescued the thread, perhaps he can answer your original question about retro-fitting the Tercel 3E electronic ignition distributor and components into your '92 Corolla 2E engine. I'm more curious about that.

So long,

Terry]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20737362 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:31:47 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736850 3SGTE : The shape of the OEM electronic distributor is like this.
(Note that this is an electronic one, it does not have the vacuum advance.)
Click for full size
The coil is under the cap.
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736850 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:51:17 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736833 Victory : Just checked this thread. With a break point distributor the very first thing I replace is the condenser, cheap and easy. Seen people replace the whole fuel system including tank to find it was a bad condenser.
Of course anytime I buy a used car I replace points, cap, wires, condenser, plugs and change the oil and filter. Then change the gas filter and clean the carb and linkage with carb cleaner really good. When cleaning carb make sure the engine doesn't stall and do this before I change the plugs.
Hope this helps.

My 1960 Ranchero has a pointless distributor. The first one crapped out after about 40 miles. The second one is about 3 years old now. All it does is replace the distributor and coil. You don't install any computer. I recommend this if you need major repair on the distributor. The new one gives lot more fire to the plugs and eliminates the need to reset points and no condenser. I think mine was $187 new.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736833 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:46:16 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736789 Angralitux : And thanks for explaining, very helpful info posted by you here! :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736789 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:37:42 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736788 3SGTE :
said by wenter99 See Profile :

Most, if not all, OEM ignition and emission controls on Toyotas are made by Bosch.
That is not true.
In a few parts of the world, on a few selected models, Bosch might make some parts.

Denso is by far the largest supplier of electronics to Toyota.

said by wenter99 See Profile :

Other than that I can't explain discrepencies in the Whitney catalog. I'm just trying to give the OP an idea of what's available to him.

Terry
And I just wanted to point out to the OP that there is a good chance that distributor won't fit.
--
I can stand brute force, but brute reason is quite unbearable. There is something unfair about its use. It is hitting below the intellect.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736788 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:37:36 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736781 Angralitux : I got your point 3SGTE , the pic is just for ad purposes, is not the exact described.

Ok, what I meant is that this distributor on the picture, is very simmilar to the one on the car. I found this pic, wich I posted a while ago, you can see the locking clips there, and size is simmilar too.

»/r0/download/1···tom).JPG]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736781 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:36:21 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736638 wenter99 : Most, if not all, OEM ignition and emission controls on Toyotas are made by Bosch. Other than that I can't explain discrepencies in the Whitney catalog. I'm just trying to give the OP an idea of what aftermarket stuff may be available for his vehicle... :)

Terry
--
"Sometimes all you can do is just hunker down and take it, like a jackass caught out in a hail storm". LBJ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736638 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:07:06 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736567 3SGTE : For that first one, they list the same item number for vehicles that are clearly not interchangable.
Here it is for a Crown Vic:
»www.jcwhitney.com/ELECTRONIC-IGN···0101.jcw
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I can stand brute force, but brute reason is quite unbearable. There is something unfair about its use. It is hitting below the intellect.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736567 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:50:33 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736550 wenter99 : I guess I forgot to copy this one >>> The Missing Link ;).

The pictures in those ads are examples. They give you a general idea of what you will get. When you order for your specific year and make of car, they'll send you the correct kit that may or may not look exactly like the picture.
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"Sometimes all you can do is just hunker down and take it, like a jackass caught out in a hail storm". LBJ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736550 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:45:10 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736495 Angralitux : the links #2 and #3 are the same... after a good look at link #1, I think it seems like it will fit my engine :O]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736495 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:31:11 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736450 Angralitux : how interesting... the first one looks like a complete sytem, but, will these work on my car?? I will post pictures of the thing dissasembled as soon as I get to my home. It doesnt seem too complicate thing to do.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736450 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:23:17 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736353 wenter99 :
said by Angralitux See Profile :

What about this kit you're talking about, can you point to one to see what is about??
Examples:

Here's one...

Here's another...

And another...

And so on...

said by Angralitux See Profile :

Mechanics told me they can do the conversion, I was assumming that a tercel, wich has a similar engine as mine, only bigger (3E tercel vs 2E my car), would be the place to look for the necessary parts. BTW; there was version of the engine on my car that had EFI, and so electronic distributor type.

thanks!
I understand. That may be an easy swap and work out fine, but I just don't know. I have no idea what is and what is not interchangeable between different year Toyotas.

Terry]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20736353 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:05:31 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20734832 3SGTE : Sorry to chime in so late.

Carb'd versions of the 3E also had a self contained full electronic distributor.

I wouldn't imagine this would be a difficult or expensive conversion.
You are most likely to need the distributor from a Carb'd version, as it will have the advance weights etc...

Having said that, a set of points isn't going to be that expensive or difficult to set up (for a tech who knows points - there is a generation or two out there who do not know points).

--
I can stand brute force, but brute reason is quite unbearable. There is something unfair about its use. It is hitting below the intellect.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20734832 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:24:37 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20733384 Angralitux : nahh, I'm not going to sell the car yet. I just feel the need to get the car in good shape. What about this kit you're talking about, can you point to one to see what is about??

I wasn't really planning to do that (conversion) I just wanted to know which I was missing. Mechanics told me they can do the conversion, I was assumming that a tercel, wich has a similar engine as mine, only bigger (3E tercel vs 2E my car), would be the place to look for the necessary parts. BTW; there was version of the engine on my car that had EFI, and so electronic distributor type.

thanks!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20733384 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:25:52 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20733086 wenter99 :
said by Angralitux See Profile :

...the car whatever condition it is, is worth whatever someone is willing to give me... :D.
Well sure, I understand that. But do you really want to go to the expense and effort of converting to an electronic ignition if you're just going to sell the car? Will your potential buyer pay you more for it?

I know you can buy an electronic ignition kit for older cars with points. The kit comes with a new distributor and the electronic control module box and instructions. It is not difficult to install.

If you are planning on getting used parts from a Toyota with later electronic ignition and CPU and put it into your '92, then I won't even go there. There are so many variables and potential problems and issues that you may encounter. I can't help with that since I've never done a Toyota conversion that way, and I don't know what is compatible from one particular year model to another.

Good luck whatever you decide to do!

Terry]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20733086 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:28:41 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20732341 Angralitux : sorry, maybe I misunderstood your comment. For me, the car whatever condition it is, is worth whatever someone is willing to give me :D. On the other side, the car is in very good condition, a 8 of 10 I would say :) minus a few annoyances, like the AC, etc.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20732341 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:10:35 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20731486 wenter99 : My comment about your cars worth was more concerning its overall condition, not its age. With only 80,000 miles, and if it's in good condition overall, it may be practical to upgrade to electronic ignition, if that's what you would like to do.

If it were my Corolla, I would restore the present ingnition system in the car, especially considering it probably hasn't been maintained at all in its 16 year life.

First of all, oil under the distributer cap is not good. It can cause the mis-fire you've described. The oil can get under there for several different reasons though, and it's difficult to tell you where its coming from without seeing it myself.

I would suggest removing the distributor from the engine, clean it thouroughly with solvent, and replace the "O"-ring seal on the shaft. If there's a gasket on the base of the distributor replace it as well. Replace the distributor cap, points, condenser, spark plug and coil wires and spark plugs. Adjust the air gap on the points and spark plugs to the engines specifications. These things done, your contact point ignition system is as good as new and it doesn't cost much.

I really believe you will be amazed at how much better your engine runs if you just do the above.

I have a '95 Corolla myself that only I drive. Bought it new in December, 1995. It does have factory electronic ignition and it's been completely trouble free. I did change the spark plugs at 60,000 miles just because they were "due". Car has 82,000 miles on it now and I wouldn't get rid of it for anything.
--
"Sometimes all you can do is just hunker down and take it, like a jackass caught out in a hail storm". LBJ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20731486 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:46:45 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20729536 Angralitux : well, the car had about 60,000 miles on it when I bought it. now the car has 80,000 and I really doubt the original owner changed anything from the ignition. I have not changed anything on it yet, so I believe this could be an issue :S

I was looking around inside the little distributor, and seems like there's an oil leak going in there... maybe this is paying it's toll on the rought idling I feel sometimes.

It's a '92 corolla.

If it's wort it? well, I frankly believe is not, but I'm not in the states right now, and here this car is a valuable good :D some ppl on the states cant believe there are actually guys that want to give me a lot of money more than what I paid for it]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20729536 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:20:59 EDT Re: [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20727029 wenter99 : Corolla with contact point ignition and carburetor? How old is that Toyota anyway?

If you suspect your carburetor is causing your cars problems, then you need to adjust or rebuild it. You can't fix a carburetor problem by converting to an electronic ignition...

The main advantage to having an electronic ignition system is that it's basically maintenance free. A properly setup electronic ignition system in a car can go 200,000 miles or more with ZERO maintenance. Spark-plug life is also extended to 60,000 to 75,000 miles.

Your old style contact points ignition system requires a new set of points and condenser every 20,000 miles or so. You also need to keep the air gap on the points adjusted to .035"-.045" for top performance. Spark plugs, plug wires and distributor cap need to be changed every 40,000 miles as well.

The electronic ignition is superior to the old point style ignition for sure. But, is it worth the money and trouble on an old model car, especially considering that you suspect your cars problem lies with its fuel delivery system?

Terry


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"Sometimes all you can do is just hunker down and take it, like a jackass caught out in a hail storm". LBJ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20727029 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:48:05 EDT [Tech] Contact ignition vs electronic. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20720600 Angralitux : My daily corolla (again :)) is having issues with rough idling, high fuel comsumtion, I believe the main cause is the carburettor. The mechanic recommended to change the ignition system from a rare and old contact type (they call them here "platino") that is on the car now, to a modern "electronic" type. I researched a bit on google and I didnt like the info I got, the thing is that certainly the car has this kind of contact type thing, like this:

»www.allproducts.com/traffic/maiding/08.jpg

What I want to know is:

1. What are the advantages one vs other?
2. Is possible to do this on a engine that doesn't hava a ECU?
3. Will this help to make the engine more stable?
4. Will this require a different alternator

he said is a very common mod, I was thinking to get the distribuitor from a 3E engine from a toyota tercel (I assume this is the part the use to do the conversion).

thanks.
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All Is possible...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20720600 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:33:34 EDT