Is distributor replacement necessary?

[plantoday]

'89 22RE 4WD 175k miles, I'm having the classic no-start problems associated with either the igniter and/or distributor.

I'm following the factory manual diagosis for my 22RE, and it says if the pickup coil is bad, replace the distributor. But on the same page, for the 22R engine, it says replace the pickup coil. The pickup coil on the 22RE looks to be totally removable. The local Autozone wants $65 for the part, but $200 for a rebuilt distrib. I don't seem to have any free-play on the shaft, and it doesn't seem like the whole thing needs to be replaced.

Does anybody know why the factory manual says to replace the whole distributor if you are not getting the correct ohms measurement on the pickup coil? They only say that for the 22RE and not the 22R.

[karazy]

It's because the book is made for stealerships, so they can make more money.

[qsd-dan]

You only need to replace the pick-up (generator assembly, according to my factory service manual.) I can look up the part# in my micro fiche slides if you want. The Toyota part is about $110.00. Toyota used the same pickup from 84-90 for the 22re. Make sure to set the proper gap between the pickup and rotor after installing it.

[plantoday]

Thanks, but no need to look up the part. I've been able to find it pretty easily at part stores. Just wasn't sure why the factory manual made the distinction to replace the whole distributor on the 22RE. I'll go for the pickup coil only. Setting the gap is not a problem. I've had plenty of similar practice on old cars that had points (remember those?). The air gap on a pickup coil is pretty simple. Thanks