2001 Crusader RH 5.7L MPI Captain's Choice

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Brian G.

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Does anyone know if the gear on the end of the distributor shaft on a 2001 Crusader 5.7L MPI Captain's Choice (right hand rotation)is the same for both left hand and right hand rotation? I need a new distributor as the ignition control module is not working.

Thanks, Brian
 
Take off the cover and watch the rotation of the shaft.
 
there are no reverse rotation engines for that year. GM dist turn the same direction "clockwise" in standard and reverse motors
 
Alien- I'm curious why you would say no RH engines that year? I'm pretty sure Crusader was still offering LH & RH 5.7L engines then and definitely before and after. FWIW I had both 5.7L standard LH and reverse RH engines in both 1988( carb) and 2003 Captain's Choice MPI.

Yes Brian, the RH gear is reverse bevel cut from that of their LH engines. And yes that is so the rotor shaft turns CW in both the LH & RH GM 5.7L engines. I've replaced the distributors on both MPI engines . The gears are not the same cut.
 
If you don't have the parts manual for that year engine, you could call Crusader's main E Coast distributor , Engine Distributors, Inc . They will have the parts manuals to look up part #s for you and will sell you the distributor . (800) 220-2700
http://www.edi-dist.com/

You could also check with Crusader's parts dept 1-803-345 1337 to check for the part # but you probably cannot buy it directly..

Best to have your exact model # and perhaps the serial # at hand just in case.
 
I stand corrected. must not be a gear driven cam. a separate reverse rotation camshaft is listed.
 
I believe one is chain-driven for same direction and one is gear driven to reverse from crank rotation so dist shaft still rotates CW on both.
 
FWIW - I have twin 2001 Crusaders Captains Choice and have run into issues with distributor parts.
Through trial and error, I found I need a Mercury 808483K for my distributors which are both RH rotation.

Apparently this was a "cross-over" year for the distributors. Just throwing that out there...YMMV
 
the manual I found does not list the gear drive system .it lists the dist gear for rev rotation and a reverse rotation camshaft for reverse rotation.this allows the dist to turn clockwise
 
You can buy just the gear. The standard iron gear is inexpensive but a bronze gear cost a bit more. The gear is held in place with a roll pin and is simple to change. Should be able to buy reverse gear from same place as standard gear.
 
Thanks to all for responding.

Sandy - You are correct. LH and RH gears are different. My 2001 RH engine was built in a transition year. Distributor was jury rigged. 2002 engines eliminated the distributor. Crusader factory did not even know what distributor was used. Parts manual did not show correct replacement distributor. Only a picture match up of mine to replacement distributors led us to a direct replacement. It is a MSD 8366 complete distributor $300.95. The ignition controller module under the cap which is what I only needed is MSD 84665 $70.95. Both parts were hard to locate. I can't believe factory had little knowledge of this.

Walshie - Interesting that you found a Mercury equivalent.

Thanks again,

Brian
 
Yep, that looks like my distributor. I bet the cap I mentioned above fits just fine.

Good luck!
 
Brian - That's interesting to hear Crusader went to distributor-less ignition in 2002 then back to flat cap distributors in 2003 for my engines. Wish they had stayed with the distributor-less like the bigger engines.

Glad you tracked down your parts. A number of sources pop up in a search of your supplied numbers but they may not actually have stock. Hope you are back running again or very soon
 
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