T25 Caravelle cuts out

[yorkshire chuffa]

1987 T25 Caravelle 1.9DG having a problem diagnosing fault with engine cut out. Can be driving after 30 - 45 minutes and it will just cut out but re-starts and runs almost immediately. Changed Carburettor and fuel filter - now suggesting distributor at fault but not convinced as don't trust garage!! Any ideas???

[Whitevanman]

If you think it's electrical start by cleaning all connectors to coil and earths. That made the difference on mine (same engine).

[yorkshire chuffa]

Thank you! Novices so can you point us to where these connections are?

[Whitevanman]

The coil is on the left of the engine bay. It has a thick black HT lead running to the distributor and two other smaller connectors. Pull off the smaller ones and make sure they are clean. There is an earth strap (braided cable) underneath near the gearbox and near the distributor on the engine.

[itchyfeet]

can also be the coil at fault, they tend to fail when hot

[yorkshire chuffa]

Coil checked by garage and told it was OK. Should we clean the connectors before sourcing and changing the distributor or go with garage advice and find a distributor? But if that isn't the problem what will they say next??

[Whitevanman]

Check the easy stuff first such as bad connections and earths. If the coil is OK then the distributor hall sensor and ignition amplifier can also be tested to help isolate the fault. The mechanical side of a distributor is pretty tough so I personally wouldn't just chuck a new one on at significant expense and hope it cures it.

[itchyfeet]

does it cut out only while driving ?

I had a similar problem which was caused by the centrifugal advance/retard in the base of the distributor sticking but only happened at while driving , a squirt of spray oil into the base and it was fixed, worth a try.

[Ian Hulley]

Define

Changed Carburettor

I do hope you haven't been conned into fitting a hateful Weber !!

Ian