[jimustanguitar]

my jeep was running badly as if the distributor cap was bad, and it was, there was evidense of arcing and some of the contacts were eaten away inside of it. i replaced the cap and the jeep still runs badly, is there a chance that having arcing in the cap could have ruined my plug wires? i'm really out of ideas and don't have a plan to get it running again. any advise would be great. thanks.

[Alfons]

I normally change wires when I change the cap & I use a cap that has the brass posts instead of the general cap that comes with aluminum.

Besides the cap, here are other things to consider:

1. Wires,
2. Rotor - also should be changed with cap,
3. Points & Condensor (Capacitor) if you have them should also be changed at the same time,
4. Plugs - could be fouled, cracked, etc. Check their condition and at least clean & gap them to spec,
5. Coil - usually this either works or not.

Not knowing what year it is and the motor size it's hard to be more specific, but you could also be having carb problems or sensor problems if it's a fuel injected model. Some sensors that cause poor starting & running include:

1. Throttle Position Sensor,
2. Idle Control,
3. Crank Position Sensor.

Also, check all vacuum lines to ensure you have no gaps/breaks in any hoses and all unused lines are plugged.

[oliver49]

I Second Any Time You Do A Rotar Cap You Should Do The Rotor The Wires And Plugs So You Dont Miss Anything And Its A Cheap Fix

[jimustanguitar]

i was talking to a friend and he said that i might have the distributor gear one tooth off, but i can't understand how this would effect the vehicle if the distributor was turned to match the rotor position, does this sound rediculous, or could having the distributor gear off a tooth cause a timing problem.

[jimustanguitar]

nevermind that distributor comment, the guy was talking about the timing chain and said it wrong.