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kneesrbad2 said:
I am still dealing with my hesitation problem and a mechanic says maybe the distributor needs replacement. Anyone out there have a 89 Deville 4.5 litre used distributor laying around???
The distributor has several components in it, not to mention the wiring sub-harnesses, the connectors of which get pretty well cooked and brittle. Which component does he believe is the culprit?
 

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1989 Sedan DeVille is now just a fond memory ....
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If you are considering swapping out the distributor I wouldn't get another used one. Spend the money to do it right and get yourself a good quality rebuilt or new from a reputable parts store.
 

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Sounds like a parts swapping mission to me.......

The "distributor" is likely fine. The spark advance is controlled purely by the engine controller (electronically) so the moving parts in the distributor that used to wear out and cause driveability problems are just not in there anymore. If the cap is carbon tracked it could cause some problems....just replace the cap. If the distributor drive gear is worn it could indicate some other problems and replacing just the gear would suffice. He really needs to diagnose the root cause of the problem and fix that, not just replace (expensive) parts.
 

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I read thru some of your other posts.


Lets start from scratch. I assume it is still idling poorly and hesitating when you drive away...???

Did you check the fuel pressure at the pressure tap on the inlet fuel line at the throttle body?? It should hold a constant 10 PSI even when you tip into the throttle when it hesitates. If the fuel pressure drops when you tip in and it hesitates there may be a fuel pump problem or fuel pressure regulator problem.

What about checking the distributor reference setting (ignition timing) with a timing light to make sure it is at 10 degrees and working correctly.?

What about simple things like spark plugs and plug wires? Despite the relatively low miles there is a lot of age on the parts and the plugs could be fouled from short trip driving and/or wires could be bad.

I would check a lot of the basic stuff before starting to replace the distributor.
 

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I am also having the same type of problem for my 90' deville 4.5. I replaced the cap, rotor, fuel filter, wires, and plugs. The car runs fine when I am in 2nd or 3rd gear but when I get to a stop sign the car idles roughly and sometimes cuts off. My mechanic suggested replacing the distributor but after this yune-up he said it should be okay. Could this be the my distributor or could it be something else.
 
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