Ebay Distributor for LXi ?

[AC439]

Has anyone try this distributor from Ebay? Not expensive, about $100 a piece.

My dist is original and after going through years of frustration of not able to get the right vacuum advance for FI cars (using a carb vacuum now as a work around). I have definitely pulled it out few times re-greased it but the sleeve/bushings for the two weights in the mechanical advance are worn out. The two weights are kind of loose and I think my base timing is off due to them worn out. Since the connections of the carb vacuum advance are pointing downwards towards the thermostat housing, I don't have much room for timing adjustment.

So I think I might just go get this flea bay unit.... the vacuum advanced on it is a metal housing and I am not sure if it will give the same advance curve compare to OEM........

[DBMaster]

Before stumbling across a NOS LXi distributor on eBay in 2008 I had finally gotten my original unit rebuilt decently. I took measurements of the pins for the advance weights and the holes in the weights themselves. I found small bronze bushings at Purvis Bearing Supply that had the right size ID to fit the pins but I had to enlarge the holes in the weights slightly for the bushings to fit. I don't know what the weights are made of but I dulled my drill bit big time and it took a lot of time. It worked exceptionally well. If the new aftermarket units like the one in your link had been available I would have definitely given that a try, though.

[AC439]

DBM, I think I saw your old post about bronze bushings. But I could not get the two weights out for some reasons. I hate messing with C-clips. Even if I can get them out, then I have to go find bushings, enlarge the holes etc. Probably too much work for a worn out unit. I think I will just go and get that Flea Bay unit, especially they are not expensive now.

[DBMaster]

I would give that a try. The reason I went with the bushings way back then was that there were no new units, OEM or aftermarket, out there to be had. I went through two rebuilt units that both failed; the first one right out of the box and the second one after about two months. They sent me a third and I pulled it apart and used the new parts in my old unit and replaced those bushings. My own rebuild lasted a good while and was fine, but then I found the OEM new unit on eBay. It was total blind luck and it was only $75. (If Honda had any inventory at the time the price was $600). I used a Honda specialist in town for those jobs I didn't want to do myself. He was the one who told me about the oil leaking into my old distributor. He said he figured I'd want to replace it myself but that I shouldn't use rebuilt as they had never had good luck with them. Honestly, I'm glad to be done with distributors entirely. The 89 LXi distributor is a weird sort of electronic/mechanical hybrid with about 60 component parts. I had them spread out all over my coffee table at one point so I know. Do post back on how the eBay unit works out, please.

[AC439]

Sure will post result. My dist is original of 31 years old. Besides the mechanical advance getting loose and the non-FI vacuum advance, that thing is rock solid. I really want to keep using it but now am up to a point that I think rebuilding would take a lot of time and effort (I would imagine a lot of home brewing and trips to HD or Lowes). Once I get it, I will take apart the ebay unit and inspect everything in details before I get it install.

The listing claims to be new (not rebuild). But in the pic, the vacuum advance doesn't seem to be OEM.

[DBMaster]

OEM advance modules haven't been available for about ten years so it would have to be aftermarket. I'm sure it's fine. That part isn't too "advanced." LOL, PUNishment!

[Dr_Snooz]

If that's the Richporter dizzie, get it. They are good from what I've heard.