Distributor Question

[AaronB]

Thanks in advance for your help.

I have a 94Grand Cherokee, 8Cyl. It is running rough, and getting terrible mileage. I recently notices that the distributor is loose. The cap is attached firmly to the lower housing, but I can turn the entire part with my hand. If it didn't bump into the rest of the engine, I could probably turn it completely. I am assuming that this loosness in the distributor may be contributing to the rough running, and poor mileage. Is this a safe assumption?

If so, is there some type of hold down bolt or bracket that is supposed to keep the distributor fixed in one position? If so, where is it located? It is packed so far back under the hood that it is very difficult to see the different components.
Thanks again for any suggestions.

 

[southtj]

Is this a safe assumption?

That is a very good assumption. The timing of engines is done by turning the distributor. If you are able to turn it by hand, then you're way out of tune. There should be a clamp at the base to lock this down. My suggestion would be to take it somewhere and get a tune up. Or at least have them clamp down the distributor and set the timing.

Good luck.

 

[Tug-n-pull]

Yup what he said. Timing is everything just ask you significant other! Get her in time and set it in stone. Good luck tug