jhg41977

I am approaching 100k, at what point should the distributor belt and bearing be replaced?

AOW162435

It probably makes sense now. If not from a mileage standpoint than certainly from age.

I've considered rebuilding mine for the last few years.... At this point, my 993 rat rod has 60,000 miles and I think a rebuild over the Winter would be prudent.


Andreas

IXLR8

Jim,

As a minimum, you'll need a distributor drive belt available from Pelican Parts for example, and the distributor drive pin, part number: 930 602 922 00. I'd get a couple of the pins in case you mess the first one up.

Take your time setting up the distributor in the drill press so that the pin gets drilled out straight. The pin is quite soft.

There is a nifty trick to pressing the drive gear down to slide the pin in.

NP993

Hank Cohn refurbished mine (new belt, cleaned and lubed) -- great service. Do a search, it's cheap and he knows his distributors.

Quadcammer

Is there anything wrong with it? Are you having ignition problems? Toss a new belt in there, check for any wear/damage, and replace what is necessary.

jhg41977

Not having any problems but it looks like I am dropping the engine for a few other items, its easy to do this while I am in there and then I dont have to worry about it.

M. Schneider

Man, the 993 is how old now? At 15 plus years the "might as well do" list while the engine is out is getting longer, and costlier. Its DNA is engine....

When my distributor belt breaks - that's when I'll look after it / or should the engine come out tomorrow. My .02

Renaud Bizet

I just shipped mine to Steve Weiner a month ago and my car had 85k on the clock.
The belt was starting to show some wear, at 100k I would definitely get it rebuilt.
You got your money's worth and then some on that part.

TJ993

Mine has 128 and tested perfectly today ???

Quadcammer

Its a distributor, it should easily last that long. If this were a SBC, people would be wondering why you replaced it so early.

jhg41977

As of this morning, it has no functional issues. With the engine out it is a easy job. If it has an issue a few months from now while its in Florida and I have to pay someone to repair it, I will be upset. I figured its easy to do now, so why not. I realize it may not need anything but a refresh isnt a bad idea since the engine will be out anyway.

I spent some time talking w Alex last night on the phone, I will pull the distributor and check it. At minimum I will replace the belt and pin. If there is play in the shaft, I will send it out to have the bearing replaced since the are apparently nla and a non standard size.

KNS

I opted for a Bosch remanufactured distributor to eliminate any bearing issues (they seem to be the only ones who have the unique bearing). The price was a couple hundred over what the other rebuilders charge but I've have a little bit extra piece of mind.

Renaud Bizet

Hi Quadcammer,

I was referring to the belt not the distributor itself. Not sure if true, but I thought I was reminded that this is recommended to change the belt at 60K. I know I choose to defer it to about 90K but mine would not have lasted 120K.

I guess your mileage may vary and if one is willing to take the risk why not. Mine is a DD and preventative maintenance in my case has its merits.

IXLR8

I was browsing ebay and came across a rebuilt dual distributor. They claimed that all parts including the "bushings" were replaced, so I fired off a question to the vendor asking him if he meant bushings or bearings. He got back to me telling me that the bearings were replaced and that a shop in the SLC area did the rebuild.

If they are claiming to have replaced those angular contact bearings...I'd ask for the old bearings back in a zip lock bag.

KNS

Good idea!