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Home >> Mercury >> 1996 >> Villager V6-181 3.0L SOHC >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Powertrain Management >> Tune-up and Engine Performance Checks >> Distributor >> Service and Repair
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Distributor: Service and Repair



NOTE: Ford does not provide a TDC (Top Dead Center) mark or determination procedure for this engine in this vehicle.
ALLDATA users have reported success using aftermarket tools to determine TDC on this engine.

REMOVAL

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Remove the distributor cover.
3. Loosen the three distributor cap screws and set the distributor cap, distributor to spark plug wires, and ignition coil to distributor high tension wiring aside.





4. Disconnect the distributor ground connector from the tab on the distributor housing.





5. Disconnect the distributor harness electrical connector.





6. Remove the distributor electrical connector from the bracket.

Timing Marks On Crank Pulley (Yellow Is TDC):





7. Rotate the crankshaft until the No. 1 piston is at Top Dead Center (TDC) on the compression stroke.
- Check to be sure that the timing mark (yellow) on the crankshaft pulley and the timing pointer on the engine front cover are aligned.





8. Note the relation of the distributor rotor to the engine. Make a mark on an engine component to assist with installation.





9. Remove the distributor bolt.
10. Remove the distributor and the distributor base gasket.

INSTALLATION

1. If the crankshaft is rotated during distributor removal, rotate the crankshaft until the No. 1 piston is at TDC on the compression stroke.
2. Install the distributor base gasket and distributor. Engage the distributor drive gear into the camshaft sprocket. Ensure that the distributor rotor aligns with the mark made on the engine component during removal.

NOTE: During installation of the distributor, the distributor rotor will tend to shift when the gears mesh.

3. Install the distributor bolt finger-tight.
4. Install the distributor electrical connector onto the bracket.
5. Connect the distributor harness electrical connector.
6. Connect the distributor ground connector to the tab on the distributor housing.
7. Position the distributor cap, distributor to spark plug wires, and ignition coil to distributor high tension wiring onto the distributor.
8. Tighten the distributor cap screws.
9. Install the distributor cover.
10. Connect the battery ground cable.
11. Adjust the ignition timing.
12. Tighten the distributor bolt to 14-17 Nm (10-12 ft lb).

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