Distributor: Service and Repair

Removal
1. Remove one alternator mounting bolt and drive belt, then swing alternator to one side.
2. Remove distributor cap and position aside, then disconnect and plug diaphragm assembly hoses.
3. Disconnect distributor electrical connector from engine wiring harness.
4. Rotate engine to align stator assembly and any armature pole.
5. Mark position of distributor in engine and position of rotor on distributor housing for installation reference.
6. Remove distributor hold-down bolt and clamp, then lift distributor out of engine. Do not crank engine after distributor has been removed.

Installation
1. If engine was rotated after distributor was removed, proceed as follows:
a. Remove No. 1 spark plug and crank engine until compression pressure is felt in No. 1 cylinder. Slowly rotate engine until correct initial timing mark on crankshaft damper aligns with timing pointer.
b. Position distributor in engine with rotor at number one firing position and armature and stator assembly poles aligned. Ensure oil pump intermediate shaft properly engages the distributor shaft. It may be necessary to crank engine after distributor drive gear is partially engaged in order to engage the oil pump intermediate shaft and fully seat distributor in block.
c. If it was necessary to crank engine, repeat step a, then rotate distributor in block to align armature and stator assembly poles and verify rotor is pointing at number one firing position.
d. Instal distributor hold-down bolt and clamp. Do not tighten at this time.
2. If engine was not rotated after distributor was removed and original distributor is being installed, proceed as follows:
a. Position distributor in engine, aligning housing to block marks and rotor to housing marks made during removal. Armature and stator assembly poles should also align if distributor is fully seated. Crank engine if necessary to fully seat distributor in block.
b. Install distributor hold-down bolt and clamp. Do not tighten at this time.
3. If engine was not rotated after distributor was removed and a new distributor is being installed, proceed as follows:
a. Scribe distributor similar to distributor being replaced.
b. Position distributor in engine with rotor aligned with previously scribed mark. If necessary, crank engine to fully seat distributor.
c. Rotate engine until timing marks for correct initial timing align and rotor is pointing at number one firing position.
d. Rotate distributor in block to align armature and stator assembly poles.
e. Install distributor hold-down bolt and clamp. Do not tighten at this time.
4. If in steps 1 through 3, armature and stator poles cannot be aligned by rotating distributor in block, pull distributor out of block enough to disengage distributor gear and rotate distributor shaft to engage a different gear tooth and install distributor. Repeat steps 1 through 3 as necessary.
5. Install distributor cap and wires and Torque screws to 18-23 inch lbs., then connect distributor electrical connector to engine wiring harness.
6. Install alternator drive belt and mounting bolt and adjust belt tension.
7. Set ignition timing to specification, then torque distributor hold-down bolt to 17-25 ft. lbs. Connect diaphragm assembly hoses.