Quote:
Originally Posted by Rap'em Pappy
we discovered I had no advance in my distributer. It was welded like race cars do I guess. So he advanced it bunch some how. It ran cooler in 80+temp. I don't know what at timing before you ask. He adjusted it at the meter that I don't understand. It may start harder now he said.
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Yes, a locked (or seized from dried up lube or rust) distributor can cause an engine to overheat. If the shop didn't fix the distributor and just advance it, it will make it harder to start and could make the engine ping (spark knock) too. Installing a replacement unit would be a better idea. It would be easy starting, smoother acceleration, and better gas mileage. Also make sure the vacuum advance is working, this will also help with the gas mileage.
At every oil change the distributor should be inspected. The distributor mechanical advances should be check for freedom of movement (you should be able to rotate it clockwise several degrees and when you let go of it, it should spring back and the is no sloppy movements) and lubricated if necessary. Also while your there, check the vacuum advance diaphragm (with vacuum on it it should rotate the point mounting base counter-clockwise. When vacuum is removed it should snapback) for internal leakage and the hose for deterioration. The point should be visually inspected for pitting and replace the point and condenser if necessary. Set the points with a dwell meter. Then set the distributor timimg with a timing light.