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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Hudson, WI
    Posts
    2,651

    Default Distributor Rotor

    In the last few years, I have probably been towed back to the launch 3-4 times. 2 of those instances were due to my distributor rotor breaking. As you might guess, the second time was just last night and I'm a bit irritated. Is this just bad luck or is this a common failure?

    The good news is that it's a cheap/easy fix. I just want to try and fix it "forever" this time instead of always wondering if this will be the day that I get stuck again.
    Former owner of a 1987 Supra Saltare. Current owner of a Malibu 23LSV.

  2. #2

    Default

    That's pretty rare, at least in my experience. What part breaks? And have you gotten replacements from the same place every time? I guess I'd keep an extra one in the boat until you figure out the cause...

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Hudson, WI
    Posts
    2,651

    Default

    The plastic part that holds the outside contact has actually cracked or broken both times. Yesterday, it appeared that my cap had slipped off of the distributor on one side. It was impossible to tell if this happened because the rotor had broken or if this is what caused the rotor to break.

    Both times that this has happened was while the boat was heavily weighted down and surfing at ~3000rpms. Not sure if it's something related to the load on the engine?
    Former owner of a 1987 Supra Saltare. Current owner of a Malibu 23LSV.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Cincinnati/Fort Thomas, Kentucky
    Posts
    221

    Default

    My '87 has a mallory short cap distributor. 209-D to be precise. Can't imagine that stout little thing breaking? I'm having a hart time visualizing what part broke on you.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    NW Houston
    Posts
    1,330

    Default

    If it's not already - sounds like a good excuse to switch to electronic ignition.
    _______________89 Saltare Resto Project___________
    _________Then________________________Now_____

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Hudson, WI
    Posts
    2,651

    Default

    Already have electronic ignition. I'll take pictures tomorrow when I replace it....
    Former owner of a 1987 Supra Saltare. Current owner of a Malibu 23LSV.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Tacoma, Wa
    Posts
    861

    Default

    Is the plastic on the rotors melted were it broke? Can you tell if it hit the inside of the cap? Any play in the distributor shaft?
    2003 Supra Launch 22SSV
    1986 Ski Natique 2001

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Hudson, WI
    Posts
    2,651

    Default



    Replaced and everything is working fine again. Distributor shaft seems solid and when I put the cap back on there is no play in that. It's a puzzler!
    Former owner of a 1987 Supra Saltare. Current owner of a Malibu 23LSV.

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