Having trouble replacing pick-up coil

[prankstar]

Hi. I need some help with my 94' c1500 5.7L. I'm trying to do some maintenance to my truck so that I can get some better gas mileage. I can't figure out how to replace the pick-up coil? I took the Dist. cap off and the rotor already but I can't figure out how to get the next piece off which I believe is a dust cap. It is metal and a brass color. I can see the pickup coil right underneath it but can't get to it.

I heard that replacing it will give better gas mileage. Is that true. My truck has 166,000miles. I also have new rotor, cap, and wires.

I'm in a bind because I already started the project but can't finish it. Help

[67malibu]

You need to pull the distributor, remove the drive gear (knock out the roll pin) and pull the shaft out. I replaced the pickup coil in my '88 last summer. It was fairly easy. Just make sure you use a new roll pin, don't try to cheat with the old one (which I usually deform getting out anyway.) As far as getting better gas mileage, I don't know. My pickup coil was just deteriorated from age and basically fell apart in my hands as I removed it (truck was missing badly at temperature.)

[prankstar]

Is there anyway to do it without taking the distributor out. I originally tried taking the distributor out but I can't loosen the hold down bolt. I was using a distributor wrench and everything. It won't budge and I can't afford to break something.

[IFIXCARZ4U]

Sorry the only way to change pickup coil is to remove the distributor.
Sometimes you can get to the hold down bolt with a flex socket available at most parts stores. Don't try a socket along with a flex joint it will be too tall to fit under the distributor base.

[67malibu]

I've found a crow's foot works well since you can put a small pull handle on it with an extension if needed.

[prankstar]

Thanks for the info. I couldn't get the distributor out so looks like I have a spare part. I will probably try again when I replace intake gasket down later on.

[Geobruh]

What steps do I take to actually remove the pickup coil? I have a 94 DeVille that will crank but not start. New fuel pump, fuel filter, no change. I have narrowed it down to the pickup coil. Removed the cap n rotor, could not get past the gear shaft. What tools do I need and what steps do I take to remove the pickup coil? Any and all help is greatly appreciated! I gotta get my car back on the road and get to these new job opportunities. Thank you in advance!

[Schurkey]

Originally Posted by Geobruh

What steps do I take to actually remove the pickup coil? I have a 94 DeVille that will crank but not start. New fuel pump, fuel filter, no change. I have narrowed it down to the pickup coil. Removed the cap n rotor, could not get past the gear shaft. What tools do I need and what steps do I take to remove the pickup coil? Any and all help is greatly appreciated! I gotta get my car back on the road and get to these new job opportunities. Thank you in advance!

What engine? Is this a TBI 305 or 350 "Chevy" engine?

[Geobruh]

its a 94 Cadillac Deville 4.9, not Concourse, not Northstar, all original parts

[Schurkey]

Originally Posted by Geobruh

its a 94 Cadillac Deville 4.9, not Concourse, not Northstar, all original parts

Then WHY are you posting on a forum devoted to pickup trucks that never had that engine installed in them?

First Guess: The pickup coil is permanently-attached to the distributor mainshaft. Replace the mainshaft--or the entire distributor. When I had pickup coil problems in my K1500, the distributor mainshaft was replaced by the dealership (I was out-of-town at the time of failure). IF (big IF) that distributor is built the way the distributor in my K1500/5.7L is built, you'll be looking for a mainshaft or a new/rebuilt /"good used" distributor.

Can you even buy a pickup coil for that vehicle? Have you called NAPA or Carquest or O'Reileys to see if one is available?

[Geobruh]

the person who started this thread has a GM vehicle, as do I. They are having the same issue as me, trying to remove the "brass colored dust cap" above the distributor to reach the pickup coil beneath it. Yes, auto stores in my area have them in stock. I decided to take the car to a shop, it's being worked on right now.

[rhandwor]

Normally you can purchase a rebuilt distributor or pull the distributor.
Use a punch and drive out the pin holding the gear on the distributor.
I have a puller for distributors to push the shaft out of the case. At this point you can replace the pickup. Then reassemble the distributor. I always mark the rotor position on the case so I can reinstall the distributor so the vehicle will start.
OTC 7702 is the tool number.