Volvo 740 Distributor Questions

Hey all,

I'm working on the '86 740 Trubo wagon that I picked up with antifreeze in the oil. I got the head off today, but the electrical connector at the distributor was messed up and as I tried to unplug it, the wires just broke. So it looks like this:

The black goo looking stuff appears to be RTV from when someone has been here before and tried to cover their tracks, maybe (or who knows...maybe it's factory goo). In any case the plastic connector that registers in the slot on the distributor is boogered up and something will have to be replaced.

I figure I need to either pick up a used distributor or do some fixing (soldering and shrink wrap and such) on this one. So question 1 is: How does the distributor come off? I took out the two bolts that tighten it down. I gently tried to remove the distributor. It didn't come out easily, so I stopped and am asking now how to get it off (rather than grabbing the big pry bar). Exhibiting a bit of restraint and patience today...go me!

Next question is: Should I bother fixing this, or just try to get another distributor? Anyone have one laying around that could help a guy out on the cheap?

Thanks!

Clem

the distributor should slide out once you've removed the retaining screw and holding plate. It might need a little persuasion but it shouldn't be really wedged on there.

I'm doing a little armchair internet mechanic research now...looks like what I'm working with is the "Hall sensor" (Hall effect sensor is what I've always heard them called)...or at least that's what the wires go to.

Lugnut, you're saying once I remove the two bolts that lock the distributor in place (the ones you loosen to adjust timing...the ones that go through the slotted holes) that it should pull out from the head?

I just didn't want to pull too hard and break something, so I haven't yet.

I'm officially in the market for a used hall effect sensor. ;)

Clem

hmmm...looks like I found it...the new connector ("plug"): http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/product_id/16412/nm/1985-1989+Volvo+740+Turbo+Impluse+Sensor+Plug

Sweet!

ClemSparks wrote: hmmm...looks like I found it...the new connector ("plug"): http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/product_id/16412/nm/1985-1989+Volvo+740+Turbo+Impluse+Sensor+Plug Sweet!

You beat me to it - I was going to tell you that you can get them new, and they're cheap.

I love happy endings!

You need: The black plastic electrical housing. The hall effect sensor. The shaft seal. The knowledge of how to remove peened rivets from a piece of aluminum about 1mm thick, without breaking the aluminum. The ability to re-peen the steel rivets without breaking the plastic housing of the new hall switch, or the aluminum base.

OR,

find a used one thats already been done, or see if IPD sells exchange units.

11110000 wrote: You beat me to it - I was going to tell you that you can get them new, and they're cheap.

Well...no happy ending yet...a $3 part with $10 shipping. That's just stupid.

I'm about to go buy a weatherpak and just start soldering.

Grumble, grumble, grumble...

Clem

So...eeuroparts told me they could get it to me for $5.61 (and I ordered a bunch of other stuff from them too...free shipping...pretty cool). I haven't opened the box that showed up today...I hope it's in there!

Clem

In reply to Streetwiseguy:

No need to re-peen. Just silicone the new one in place.