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SC400 Distributor Noise

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Old Jun 13, 2012 | 09:07 PM
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Default SC400 Distributor Noise

1992 SC400 with non VVT-i 1UZ of course. Engine has roughly 225k miles on it.

A few months back I noticed my engine seemed noisy, like maybe a tensioner pulley was going bad. It was noisy at the front of the engine.
I later found it to be the distributors. I took the covers off and while it was running they were very noisy. I decided to replace both caps and rotors while changing spark plugs. After pulling the caps I could easily tell that the rotors had been rubbing the contact points of the caps. I put the new caps and rotors on and in a few days, if that, the noise was back.
I don't remember the brand of cap and rotor I used but they weren't the cheapies.
Anybody have a clue why this is happening? I have been unable to find anything related in any search.

I bought this car from my best friend and I was with him when he looked at it and bought it and the engine was quiet.
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Old Jun 14, 2012 | 06:57 PM
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Are they not secured correctly or loose? Also does it seem like the engine is running smoothly other than the noise? or is it mis-fireing?
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Old Jun 14, 2012 | 09:27 PM
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Originally Posted by -Samurai-
Are they not secured correctly or loose? Also does it seem like the engine is running smoothly other than the noise? or is it mis-fireing?
Engine is smooth as silk and no they're not loose.
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Old Jun 15, 2012 | 08:32 AM
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Mine has a slight sound like a rattling bearing from the distributor area but it doesn't bother me. I have also changed the caps & rotors with no change in the noise. It's quiet enough that I'm usually the only one who notices it.
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Old Jun 15, 2012 | 09:43 AM
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did you use a toyota cap and rotor? thats what I would recommend if you are looking for perfect fit.
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