Distributor Assembly Overhaul

Fig. 9 Exploded view of distributor. 1985 models less turbocharger, 1986-88 Colt w/1500cc engine (1986-88 Ram 50 & 1987-88 Ram Raider w/Mitsubishi distributor, similar):

Disassemble
1. Clamp distributor assembly into a suitable vise, then remove retaining clips and distributor cap with seal ring, Fig. 9.

Fig. 10 Removing vacuum controller:

2. Remove rotor from rotor shaft, then the vacuum controller attaching screws, Fig. 10.

Fig. 11 Removing igniter:

3. Remove igniter attaching screws, then the igniter and black lead wire, Fig. 11.

Fig. 12 Removing signal rotor shaft:

4. Remove signal rotor shaft and breaker plate attaching screws, then the signal rotor shaft and breaker plate, Fig. 12.

Fig. 13 Separating signal rotor from shaft:

5. Separate signal rotor shaft from signal rotor as shown, Fig. 13.

Fig. 14 Removal and installation of governor springs and retainers:

6. Remove two spring retainers using suitable pliers, then the two governor springs, Fig. 14.
7. Remove two governor weights, Fig. 14, then mark location of drive gear with relationship to distributor shaft.

Fig. 15 Removal and installation of roll pin:

8. Place drive gear on a block of wood, then remove roll pin using a suitable drift, Fig. 15.
9. Remove drive gear and washer from distributor shaft, then the distributor shaft from housing.

Fig. 16 Breaker plate installation:

Fig. 17 Assembling signal rotor to shaft:

Fig. 18 Adjusting signal rotor air gap:

Assemble
1. Clean and inspect all parts for defects.
2. Install distributor shaft into housing.
3. Assemble drive gear onto distributor shaft aligning reference marks made during disassembly, then install new roll pin, Fig. 15.
4. Install governor weights onto governor plate, then the governor springs and retainer, Fig. 14.
5. Insert signal rotor shaft into distributor shaft, then the breaker plate into housing. Tighten breaker plate retaining screws. Install breaker plate ensuring projection A is engaged with groove B, Fig. 16.
6. Install signal rotor onto signal rotor shaft using a suitable press, ensuring dowel pin can be inserted into groove, Fig. 17.
7. Install igniter onto breaker plate, then insert two retaining screws.
8. Connect one end of black igniter lead wire to attaching screw, then the other end to breaker plate. Tighten retaining screws.
9. Adjust air gap between signal rotor and igniter pickup to .018-.021 inch on Colt or .31 inch on Colt Vista and Ram 50, Fig. 18.
10. Connect vacuum control link to breaker plate, then insert and tighten vacuum controller attaching screws.
11. Install rotor and shaft, then the seal ring.
12. Install distributor cap onto housing, then clamp retaining clips.