Review on Spectra Premium NS60 Distributor by Mike Snedeker

UPDATE Aug 15, 2017 I regularly drive about 4500 miles from these distributors before they fail. I bought my first dispenser in January 2016 and had to replace it in September 2016. Just last night I had to replace it again, again with about 4500 miles on it. I'll have to contact Spectra to see if they can send me another one. They start to stop and then you can hardly drive. Got a new one and no problem so it's definitely these dealers. Our 1999 Mercury Villager had 145,000 miles on it when it recently stalled while driving. The digital instrument panel indicated that the tachometer was jumping, so I figured it was spark related. I wanted to buy an ignition module or coil from a dealer to replace, but of course they don't sell them. Replacing both takes time with the Philips No. 2 only about 5 minutes. The only option is to replace the distributor. I bought this device because it has a lifetime warranty. I replaced it with a Philips #2, 12mm jack and Sharpie in about 10 minutes. You don't even have to place it at top dead center. Just do not start or crank the engine until the new distributor with the same rotor assembly has been installed. You take the old cover off, mark where the rotor is pointing, and mark where the bolt flange is in relation to the bolt. Turn away a bolt and take the distributor. Remove the cover from the new block. Mark the same spot on the new distributor. Install the new distributor by shaking the rotor. If the rotor doesn't line up with your marks, pull the distributor out until the gear disengages, turning as needed to achieve the same goal. Replace the cap, move the wires of the connector, connect the two connectors and tighten the screw. Start the engine and it should fire immediately, although the timing is a little off. The hardest part was setting up the sync. My Villager has 7 notches on the pulley. 15 degrees BTDC is the average mark. I crawled under the van and marked the 4th slot with a yellow pen. It's hard to see from above. After I marked it, the timestamp was easier to see. With the engine off, disconnect the idle air control valve at the top of the throttle body. The connector is actually hiding behind and under the throttle body. On my van it was a gray four wire connector. Disable this and start the van. You may have to give it some throttle to get it running as it idles lower when not plugged in. Connect a time indicator to the #1 spark plug wire, which is the rear left spark plug. Loosen the screw and adjust the distributor until the marks match. Tighten the screw. Make sure it doesn't move. Park van, connect IAC valve. Clear codes stored because IAC was disabled. Do it with a scanner or have it done at Advanced, AutoBone, or your other favorite auto parts store. This part took me an hour because I had to learn the timestamps. I've only driven it about 100 miles, but it definitely solved the stopping problem. Ready to drive for another 15 years. The distributor is new in the packaging, never used. Very happy with it.