Professor Threadkiller

Pin 1 is the input trigger signal for the ECU to fire the injectors. No pulses on pin 1? No pulses from the injectors. That's why it was dry. Note that you should only see 12 volts on that pin when the engine is NOT running. Once it's running, you should see pulses coming from the distributor. If all you have is a voltmeter, then you would probably see those pulses as a DC voltage something less than 12 volts.

It's a speed detecting switch that disables the throttle opener system below 13mph. And yes, it's like the carb version of the BCDD. (Or the BCDD is like the FI version of the throttle opener system?) The throttle opener holds the throttle open a little under high intake manifold situations and that switch disables that system when you are sitting still (<13mph) so you're idle won't hang open. That's why when you goose it sitting still the idle won't hang, but if you push in the clutch and goose the throttle while you are cruising at 30mph, the throttle should hang open a little bit. See ET-13 for additional details. On edit - The earlier cars had the throttle opener system, but didn't have the speed related defeat.

No affiliation. Just saw your post and remembered this: http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/for/3966342633.html

Start with this: Slide the mount off exposing three screws that hold upper half to lower half: Take out three screws and separate upper and lower: This is the steering wheel end with retainer clip still installed: Pull off the steering wheel taper shoes and the retainer clip: Once you remove the retainer clip, the upper shaft comes out the bottom end of the housing. The spring will probably push it out, but it might require some gentle persuasion in addition to the spring: Tap the bearings out of the housing if you dare. There is one at the top and one at the bottom: Bearing disassembled: There are thirty balls in the bearings so you can count what you have to make sure you didn't drop any: Note that the process and pics above are for 240 only. In 74 they changed the column design and I've not taken one of the newer "steel ball" styles apart.

It disables the EGR system until the engine warms up, and also controls the ignition timing on the auto trans cars. http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/electrical-s30/46647-water-temp-switch-what-does.html