Okay... so I have ordered a new(er) distributor from someone here and will try that later.
Now this scares me. I have noticed that when ever the engine is cool it starts and runs great for about a minute then it gets real hot real quick. Very small amounts of white smoke (very small amount) from the exhaust. Then the power just goes away. She idles but no power. My fear is I have a blown head gasket.
I swapped the ignition module, reset the timing, cleaned the spark plugs, rebuilt the distributor (and made a failed attempt at another tear down), multiple coils, left the original ballast resistor in line and taken it out and nothing is working.
This has to be more major than I expected. I do not know of any competent mechanics shops anywhere near where I live and my call out to Tampa area Xwebbers has gone unanswered.
I have the head bolts and gasket from MWB so that should be good if that is indeed the issue.
However, I need to let this go for awhile and focus on other issues. That is why I need the X1/9 gone. I have other personal things that need my attention and I have to let this X1/9 sit in the garage for a very long time. After this weekend, if the newer distributor doesn’t do the trick then she is going to go up on jack stands and just sit until someone offers me something for it.
I looked up a new stock engine and they are about $500.00. By taking off some parts from what is in it now and using the extras someone is going to get a great deal even if the engine needs to be replaced. I do not have the health or bandwidth to keep this going.
I should have never used that aftermarket distributor and should have taken my time and missed the car show. Then I feel this issue would have never been, oh well. Should haves could haves....
When I finish this weekend I will make a decision on what to do with the X.
Thanks,
Mike