Sadly, I've never been one to take my own advice...

My new-to-me 1980 GMC started running poorly right after an inaccurate gas gauge caused me to run it dry. Since I had recently replaced nearly everything in the ignition system, I ***-U-MEd that I had sucked crap from the bottom of the tank into the fuel system. While the fuel filter was packed with crud, a new pump, filter, and replacement of a kinked fuel line didn't fix the problem. I finally swapped out the distributor with one I had picked up at Hershey (to fix a wacky mechanical advance on the original). This is what I found in the old one. Yeah, the plastic connector body had turned to dust long ago, and I had just pushed the metal contacts onto the module terminals. Funny how it runs fine now.

 

The parts cannon is a cruel mistress.

 

Yeah, especially when you KNOW it can't be ignition because you just replaced those parts...

 

😂🤣Boy that's no lie🤣😂

 

Even the most diligent/seasoned/skilled mechanics would make the same assumptions. That is the process of elimination and as humans we are wired for the path of least resistance. You found the problem without going down a rabbit hole, and wasting a ridiculous amount of time/money and work to do so. Kudos on the find, it is a testament to your skill and experience. Luck (whether we realize it or not) is a friend.

 

I agree with all, you have dodged a bullet by not going down that rabbit hole chasing something that is not the problem, at least too far anyway. Glad you got it fixed.

 

haha that’s hilarious!

 

Boy have I learned many lessons on assuming in life and in diagnosis

 

New is not always good.

 

The parts were fine. The improperly connected wire was the problem

 

Good to hear you got it fixed.