Distributor Disassembly

Rotor Installation:

Distributor Cover And Shield:

Distributor Cap Mounting:

Distributor Disassembly


Tools Required

^ J 39997 Ignition Distributor Cap Socket

^ J 39998 Ignition Distributor Rotor

Notice:

^ The distributor and the timing disk must be kept clean of any foreign material. Contamination can lead to engine misfiring or distributor damage.

^ Do not disassemble the distributor or disconnect any electrical connectors or wires until all coolant has been cleaned from the distributor and the surrounding area.

^ Do not touch the timing disk sensor or the distributor base during removal or installation.

^ Discoloration of the distributor cap and some whitish terminal buildup is normal. Yellowing of the cap, darkening, and some carbon buildup under the rotor segment is normal. Replace the cap or rotor only if driveability is affected.

^ Do not get cleaning agents on the hall effect switch. Premature failure of the switch may occur.

Disassembly Procedure

1. Remove the water pump. Refer to Cooling System / Water Pump.

2. Remove the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Engine / Crankshaft Balancer.

3. Remove the spark plug wire harness from the distributor.

4. Disconnect the PCM connector.

Important: Do not allow any foreign material to enter open vacuum lines. Cap the ends of the vacuum lines as necessary.

5. Remove the vacuum harness.

6. Remove the distributor cap bolts using J 39997.

7. Remove the distributor cap.

8. Remove the rotor bolts using J 39998.

9. Remove the rotor.

Important: Do not touch the timing disk, sensor or distributor base.

10. Remove the distributor cover and the shield.

Inspection Procedure

1. Inspect the distributor base for damage, corrosion, or plastic particles. If any of these conditions exist, replace the distributor. Refer to Distributor Replacement under this heading.

2. The distributor is driven by a camshaft pin that mates to one slot in the distributor driveshaft. Align the distributor driveshaft slot with the distributor base timing mark.

3. Rotate the engine crankshaft until the number one piston is at the top dead center with the intake and the exhaust valves closed. The camshaft pin will be at the 9 o'clock position.

Assembly Procedure

1. Install the shield and the distributor cover.

2. Install the rotor.

3. Use the J 39998 or the equivalent in order to install the distributor rotor bolts. Tighten the distributor rotor bolts to 0.70 Nm (6 lb in).

4. Install the distributor cap.

5. Use the J 39998 or equivalent in order to install the distributor cap bolts. Tighten the distributor cap bolts to 2.8 Nm (25 lb in).

6. Install the vacuum harness.

7. Connect the PCM connector.

8. Install the spark plug wires.

9. Install the crankshaft balancer.

10. Install the water pump.