Octane Rod

Originally posted by gtx2000@Mar 4 2004, 01:44 AM
What is this thing and what does it do. I know i don't have one but in my mitchell manuel it shows one. anyone know what it is for and why would anyone want one and where would you get it at?

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Maybe an old school term for O2 sensor???

Im not sure what part that is.

-Damon

It's in the distributer and it is for timing

More elaborately, the rate of timing advance. By using different rods, the distribitor is allowed to advance timing more or less, dependant on the length of the rod. They are available at the dealer.

Do all the distribitors have one or just select cars I dont see one in mine at all. what would one benefit from it. is there only one octane rod how do i find out which one i would want?

I just looked at a distributor diagram on my 92 service CD, and it doesn't show an octane rod. This is the earliest information I have, so it is possible that it does have one. If it did, it should be mounted on the side of the distributor, below the cap. It goes through a hole in the distributor, and is held in place by a small hex head bolt. As far as I know, and this is from dealing with my Crown Vic I had years ago, there are different rods based on geographical location of the car. Altitude, temperature, etc. all played a role in what rod the car had. Chances are, if your car has one, it's correct.