We have a 97 Blazer 4x4. Today I was checking things under the hood & heard a weird noise. It was coming from the distributor. I pulled the cap & rotor The plate that the rotor screws onto is loose. You can walk it back & forth. Causing the rotor to scrap on the cap I guess. I'm assuming the distributor shaft upper bushing is wore out, or is there something else? I have NO CODES, It runs OK, it starts OK, (We just returned from an 800 mile trip & got 19 MPG.) It just makes noise at this point. You can grab the distributor cap & push it over & increase the noise & decrease it. I have never fooled around with these new computer distributors so have no knowledge of them.
Would appreciate any help. Thanks.

 

I had the exact same problem and if it is not running bad now trust me it will. Change your distributor it is in the beginning of the end. You are correct the upper bushing is bad and it will only get worst. Get a new one too don't go to a scrap yard.

 

Thanks for your quick response. I have a few other questions now that my guess has been verified.

Are remans. from napa or auto zone OK? How do you install these distributors? I know about pre computer vehicles. But after you install those you connect up a timing light & set the timing. But I don't think that works on these. If I set the rotor to a definite spot on the say manifold & mark it then remove the distributor noting where the rotor is when it turns as I remove it. Can I just install it the reverse? I guess I'm asking can I do it like the NON COMPUTER VEHICLES. How do I assure I have timing correct, close, or with in range?
Thanks

 

The EDI Engine Timing thread should help.

 

Thanks Kyle, That is a great help. Pretty much as the old style stuff except less of a guessing game. Plenty of reference points to line up on. Again Thanks.

 

No problem. Let us know if you have further questions!