Distributor: Service and Repair

REMOVAL

1. Unfasten the distributor cap retaining clips. Remove the distributor cap with coil and spark wires connected and place aside.

2. Disconnect and plug the distributor vacuum advance hose.

3. Disconnect the distributor primary wiring connector.

4. Scribe a mark on the distributor housing in line with the tip of the rotor. Scribe a mark on the distributor housing near the clamp and continue the the scribe mark on the engine block in line with the distributor housing mark. Note the position of the rotor and distributor housing in relation to the surrounding engine components as reference points for installing the distributor.

5. Remove the distributor hold down bolt and clamp.

6. Withdraw the distributor carefully from the engine.

INSTALLATION

1. Clean the distributor mounting area of the cylinder block.

2. Install a replacement distributor mounting gasket.

3. Position the distributor shaft in the cylinder block. If the engine was rotated while the distributor was removed, refer to step 4. If the engine was not rotated while the distributor was removed, refer to the following procedure:

a. Align the rotor tip with the scribe mark on the distributor housing made during removal. Turn the rotor approximately 1/8 turn counterclockwise past the scribe mark.

CAUTION: Ensure that the distributor shaft fully engages the oil pump drive shaft. It may be necessary to slightly rotate (bump) the engine while applying downward hand force on the distributor body to fully engage the distributor shaft with the oil pump drive gear shaft.

b. Slide the distributor shaft down into the engine. Align the scribe mark on the distributor housing with the corresponding scribe mark on the cylinder block.

NOTE: It may be necessary to move the rotor and shaft slightly to start the gear into mesh with the camshaft gear and to engage the oil pump drive tang, but the rotor should align with the scribe mark when the distributor shaft is down in place.

c. Install the distributor hold down clamp and bolt, but do no tighten the bolt.

4. If the engine was rotated while the distributor was removed, it will be necessary to establish timing according to the following procedure.

a. Remove the No.1 spark plug. Hold a finger over the spark plug hole and rotate the engine until compression pressure is felt. Slowly continue to rotate the engine until the timing index on the vibration damper pulley aligns with the top dead center (TDC) mark (0 degree) on the timing degree scale. Always rotate the engine in the direction of normal rotation. Do not turn the engine backward to align the timing marks.

b. Turn the distributor shaft until the rotor tip points in the direction of No.1 terminal in the distributor cap. Turn the rotor 1/8 turn counterclock-wise past the position of the No.1 terminal.

c. Slide the distributor shaft down into the engine and position the distributor vacuum advance mechanism housing in approximately the same locations when removed. Align the scribe mark on the distributor housing with the corresponding scribe mark on the cylinder block.

NOTE: It may be necessary to move the rotor and shaft slightly to start the gear into mesh with the camshaft gear and to engage the oil pump drive tang, but the rotor should align with the scribe mark when the distributor shaft is down in place.

d. Install the distributor hold down clamp and bolt, but do not tighten the bolt.

CAUTION: If the distributor cap is incorrectly positioned on the distributor housing, the cap or rotor may be damaged when the engine is rotated.

5. Install the distributor cap and the ignition wires onto the distributor housing. Ensure the pickup coil wire rubber grommet in the distributor housing aligns with the depression in the distributor cap and that the cap fits on the rim of the distributor housing.

6. Apply Silicone Dielectric Compound, or equivalent, to the connector terminal blades and cavities. Connect the distributor primary wiring connector.

7. Adjust the ignition timing, Refer to ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES.