1996 Blazer Changed Cap and Rotor - now engine is chugging

[mixin]

I have a 4.3 vortec (W) with the flat dist cap. The aluminum contacts inside the cap were getting white with buildup, so I got a new cap and rotor set (with brass terminals). After install, the engine does not miss, but it has a rough idle and chugs bad on acceleration and SES light is flashing (seems like the timing is off?). I marked the plug wires before removing them, so I know they are not switched.

After installing the new rotor, the mechanical advance seemed to work smoothly...Anyone else had this problem?

The only difference I remember between the old and new cap was that the new one came with fine thread screws to secure the cap to the dist - my old one had coarse thread, so I just reused those. Did I buy the wrong Dist cap and rotor set?

Thanks!

Mike

[mixin]

I took out my dremel tool with a fine wire brush wheel on it and cleaned up the terminals on the old cap and rotor. I swapped the new set for the old set and now it runs fine.

In looking at the plug wires on the even side, I could not read the numbers I wrote on anymore - so I guess it's possible I switched them when I put the new cap on. Wish I had time to put the new cap back on again to prove it - but I ran out of time and the truck is running good.

Sorry to leave you all in suspense with what the problem is - I dunno either. Just glad the truck is running good again!

Mike

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by mixin

I took out my dremel tool with a fine wire brush wheel on it and cleaned up the terminals on the old cap and rotor. I swapped the new set for the old set and now it runs fine.

In looking at the plug wires on the even side, I could not read the numbers I wrote on anymore - so I guess it's possible I switched them when I put the new cap on. Wish I had time to put the new cap back on again to prove it - but I ran out of time and the truck is running good.

Sorry to leave you all in suspense with what the problem is - I dunno either. Just glad the truck is running good again!

Mike

The white stuff is normal build up.
No problem there..

If cap does go bad always replace with a AC-delco.
They are numbered for plug wires to.

If RUNNING GOOD WITH OLD CAP LEAVE IT ON THERE.

[mixin]

Thanks MT, will do. I will try to return the new cap and rotor set.

If the good cap and rotor never get cracked or damaged, can I just keep cleaning them every so often? Or do I need to replace them every XX,XXX miles?

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by mixin

Thanks MT, will do. I will try to return the new cap and rotor set.

If the good cap and rotor never get cracked or damaged, can I just keep cleaning them every so often? Or do I need to replace them every XX,XXX miles?

No need to clean them.

THE WHITE BUILD UP IS NORMAL.

No problem.

If you ever have cap off again just DAB A LITTL DILECTRIC GREASE ON TERMINALS.
That is where the white build up comes from.