"New" Distributor Cap - Return or Install?

jjs70pdx · Post by **jjs70pdx** » 06 Feb 2018, 18:32

Just received an online parts order so that I can complete an overdue tune up on my '94 850. The Bosch distributor cap arrived as pictured, supposed to be brand new. Leaning toward returning, since the old Bosch cap on my car for 20k+ miles doesn't even have any apparent wear to the outside plastic like this new one. Perhaps Bosch QC control has gone out the window

. Should I install or return?

DeathRex · Post by **DeathRex** » 06 Feb 2018, 19:08

It might not be pretty, but the inside will tell you if it's used. How does it look?

Post by **rspi** » 06 Feb 2018, 20:34

Was it made in a country that starts with a C and ends with an a?

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 06 Feb 2018, 20:45

It is a factory second, it will function just fine. Every manufacture has seconds. They sort out the seconds and sell them as seconds to avoid dealing with people that get picky over things that don't matter.

The retailer may not of told you it is a second but that is between you and the retailer, not between you and Bosch.

I would still use it because I don't get picky over things that don't matter but, that's me.

"Factory seconds, also known as factory rejects or simply seconds, are retail items which, through minor fault of manufacture, are sold to the public for a reduced rate, rather than being discarded. Such goods are often resold at this lower rate after failing the factory's quality inspection, being returned to the manufacturer's factory by the original retailer, or (less frequently) being returned to the retailer or wholesaler by the customer."

Post by **mrbrian200** » 06 Feb 2018, 21:07

The AAA/flawless gem quality score ones go into a Volvo box.

jjs70pdx · Post by **jjs70pdx** » 06 Feb 2018, 21:43

It was listed as brand new on website and not sold for a discounted price. If a factory second, that wasn't disclosed to me by the retailer...though starting to think that's what they sell. All metal contacts appear shiny inside and out.

re: rspi's comment - it's made in Spain, OEM Bosch. First time ordering from this place and probably the last, although they agreed to issue a full refund if I choose to return.

Post by **gmh** » 06 Feb 2018, 22:07

rspi wrote: ↑06 Feb 2018, 20:34 Was it made in a country that starts with a C and ends with an a?

Canada?
Colombia?
Croatia?
Cuba?

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 06 Feb 2018, 22:38

First time ordering from this place and probably the last, although they agreed to issue a full refund if I choose to return.

Some incorporated persons pocket the discount and do stick on the wall pricing.
Will they make a statement as to if it is a first or a second? If they avoid the question, avoid them in the future.

Post by **erikv11** » 06 Feb 2018, 23:07

The part looks beat up, if you paid full retail I'd not hesitate to ask them for another one.

jjs70pdx wrote: ↑06 Feb 2018, 18:32 ... the old Bosch cap on my car for 20k+ miles doesn't even have any apparent wear to the outside plastic like this new one. ...

Is there some obvious, visible problem inside the old Bosch cap? "20k+ miles" is nothing at all on a Bosch cap, unless it got damaged there should be no need to replace it.

jjs70pdx · Post by **jjs70pdx** » 06 Feb 2018, 23:55

Thought I'd do some preventative maintenance/process of elimination. I'm not one to usually "throw parts" at a car, but I have minimal records from prior owner so not sure when parts were replaced. I've owned the car 4 years, put about 23k miles on it so far, and mileage is at 213k so I figured it may be due for the basic tune up items.

Been experiencing random misfires/stalling, car restarts each time. No codes. I've replaced spark plugs, but not rotor, cap or spark plug wires. Believe the spark plug wires are the originals as car is a '94 and wires marked "'93-43."