Distributor: Service and Repair

REMOVAL

1. Align timing pointer with Top Dead Center (TDC) on crankshaft vibration damper.
2. Mark position of No. 1 cylinder wire tower on distributor base adapter for reference when reinstalling the distributor.
3. Loosen distributor cap hold-down screws.
4. Lift distributor cap with attached wire set straight off of distributor to prevent damage to the rotor blade and spring.
5. Position distributor cap and attached wire set aside so as not to interfere with removal.
6. Check if distributor rotor blade is pointing toward the marked position on the distributor base adapter that was previously made. If the distributor rotor blade is one half a revolution off, rotate the crankshaft one full revolution and realign timing pointer with TDC on crankshaft vibration damper.
7. Disconnect distributor to wiring harness.
8. Remove distributor rotor by pulling upward on the distributor rotor from the distributor shaft.
9. Remove distributor hold-down bolt and clamp.
10. Remove distributor from cylinder block by pulling upward with a slight side to side twist.
11. Cover distributor opening in cylinder block with a clean shop towel to prevent the entry of foreign material into the engine.

INSTALLATION

1. Visually inspect the distributor. The O-ring should fit tight onto the housing free of cuts. The drive gear should be free of nicks, cracks, or excessive wear. The distributor shaft should rotate freely, without any binding.

NOTE: When installing the distributor, No. 1 piston must be at TDC of the compression stroke.

2. Lubricate the distributor gear teeth with a coating of fresh motor oil or with Engine Assembly Lubricant D9AZ-19579-D meeting Ford specification ESR-M99C80-A.
3. Align the locating boss and fully seat the distributor rotor on the distributor shaft.
4. Rotate the distributor shaft so that the distributor rotor blade is pointing toward the marked position on the distributor base adapter.
5. Install the distributor into the cylinder block with a slight side to side twist.
6. Rotate the distributor in the engine to align the leading edge of the vane to the vane switch assembly. Verify that the distributor rotor blade is pointing toward the marked position on the distributor base adapter.

NOTE: If the vane and vane switch assembly can not be kept on the leading edge after installation, remove the distributor from cylinder block by pulling upward enough for the distributor gear to disengage from the camshaft gear. Rotate distributor rotor enough so that the gear will align on the next tooth of the camshaft gear.

7. Install finger-tight the distributor hold-down bolt and clamp.
8. Install the distributor cap with attached wire set straight on the distributor to prevent damage to the rotor blade and spring.
9. Tighten distributor cap hold-down screws to 2.0-2.6 Nm (18-23 in lb).
10. Connect distributor to wiring harness.
11. Set initial timing.
12. Tighten distributor hold-down bolt and clamp to 23-34 Nm (17-25 ft lb) without moving timing adjustment.