Disassembling and Assembling Distributor

DISASSEMBLING AND ASSEMBLING DISTRIBUTOR
Some disassembly of the distributor is required to replace the Hall sender. It will require a snap-ring plier and, for 16-valve engines, a thin drift or punch. It is possible to disassemble the base plate, the distributor shaft, and the centrifugal advance mechanism on GX and MZ engines for cleaning and inspection, but these are not available as individual replacement parts. Fig. 5-1 and Fig. 5-2 above illustrate the distributor assemblies.

First remove the distributor cap and suppression shield, the rotor, and the dust shield as described in Removing and Installing Distributor Cap, Rotor, and Spark Plug Wires.

All Engines Except 16-valve:
Use a snap-ring plier to remove the snap-ring retaining the trigger wheel. To remove the wheel, use two screwdrivers positioned at opposite sides of the trigger wheel to pry it up as shown in Fig. 5-6.

CAUTION: Push the screwdrivers in as far as possible, and pry up only under the strongest, center portion of the trigger wheel. Take care not to lose the small pin which keys the trigger wheel to the shaft.

NOTE: A bent trigger wheel must be replaced.

Fig. 5-6:

Fig. 5-6. Trigger wheel being pried off of distributor shaft. Pry evenly under center of trigger wheel, from both sides with two flat-bladed screwdrivers.

Remove the Hall sender by removing the screws holding it to the base plate.

16-valve Engines:
Use a thin drift or punch to drive out the retaining pin in the distributor drive clutch, and pull the distributor shaft, the rotor, the dust shield, and the trigger wheel out from the top as a unit. The Hall sender is removed from the base of the distributor housing by removing the mounting screws.