Distributor Signal Generator

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Date: Thu, 22 Jan 1998 19:20:04 -0800 (PST)
From: rick99@jps.net (Rick Murray)
Subject: signal rotor air gap
To: toy4x4@tlca.org

While tuning my 1984 22R, I checked the signal rotor air gap (in the 
distributer under the rotor where 'points' used to be 20 years ago).  
Should be between .008" and .016".   Mine appears to be around .024" !!  
What is the impact of being so far off ?   I talked to a Toyota mechanic, 
about this, and he said I should never adjust this, since they never go 
out of adjustment. That doesn't explain why it has adjusting screws, and 
is mentioned in the factory manual .

Also, how do you remove that little dust cover under the rotor?  Doesn't
seem to be any screws holding it on, and mild-to-medium prying doesn't get
it off.  I'm afraid of breaking it if I pry too hard.  I think I need to
remove it to adjust the air gap.

I realize I've posted this last week, but not all of my questions were 
addressed in the responses.  Sorry for the additional band-width.

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Date: Thu, 22 Jan 1998 19:54:48 -0800
From: James Brink 
Subject: signal rotor air gap
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org


Rick,

There is no need to adjust the air gap unless the signal generator has
been replaced. The adjustment slots are there to get the signal
generator close enough to spec during replacement. The mechanic was
correct, they do not wear or go out of adjustment. I have never found
one to be bad due to incorrect gap.

Used to be that the generator and distributor had to be replaced as a
unit. Now the pieces are available separately. When assembled, the
signal generator and distributor are a matched set. If the gap is a bit
off spec., it is due to manufacturing and set-up.

You can remove the dust cover by prying the legs outward a bit near the
breaker plate (bottom plate, where the generator mounts).

- --
Jim Brink, Toyota/ASE Certified Technician	1986 Std. Bed 4x4
Manhattan Beach, CA				32x11.50/15 BFG M/Ts
ToyTech@Off-Road.com

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