Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSDODGE AND RAM1982400 L4-135 2.2L SOHCREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTIGNITION SYSTEMDISTRIBUTORSERVICE AND REPAIRDISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT
1982 Dodge and Ram 400 L4-135 2.2L SOHC
Distributor Assembly Replacement
1982 Dodge and Ram 400 L4-135 2.2L SOHCSECTION Distributor Assembly Replacement
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect primary wiring connector at distributor, then on 1982 models, remove pick-up coil lead retaining screw.
2. On all 1982 models, remove splash shield from retaining screws, then remove shield.
3. On all models, loosen distributor cap retaining screws, then remove distributor cap.
4. Rotate crankshaft until rotor is pointing in direction of engine block, then scribe a line on block to indicate rotor position during installation.
5. Remove distributor hold down bolt, then carefully lift distributor from engine.
INSTALLATION
1. With gasket installed on base of distributor, position distributor into engine.
2. Engage distributor drive gear with camshaft drive gear so distributor rotor will align with scribe mark made during removal.
3. If engine was cranked while distributor was removed, proceed as follows:
a. Rotate crankshaft until No. 1 piston is at top dead center of compression stroke. The pointer on clutch housing or bell housing should align with "0" mark on flywheel.
b. Rotate distributor rotor to a position ahead of No. 1 distributor cap terminal.
c. Install distributor into engine, engaging distributor drive with camshaft drive gear. The rotor should be properly positioned under distributor cap No. 1 terminal.
4. Install distributor cap, then the distributor hold down screw finger tight.
5. On 1982 models, install splash shield.
6. Connect primary wiring connector to distributor.
7. On 1982 models, install pick-up coil lead retaining screw.
8. Adjust ignition timing.
1. Disconnect primary wiring connector at distributor, then on 1982 models, remove pick-up coil lead retaining screw.
2. On all 1982 models, remove splash shield from retaining screws, then remove shield.
3. On all models, loosen distributor cap retaining screws, then remove distributor cap.
4. Rotate crankshaft until rotor is pointing in direction of engine block, then scribe a line on block to indicate rotor position during installation.
5. Remove distributor hold down bolt, then carefully lift distributor from engine.
INSTALLATION
1. With gasket installed on base of distributor, position distributor into engine.
2. Engage distributor drive gear with camshaft drive gear so distributor rotor will align with scribe mark made during removal.
3. If engine was cranked while distributor was removed, proceed as follows:
a. Rotate crankshaft until No. 1 piston is at top dead center of compression stroke. The pointer on clutch housing or bell housing should align with "0" mark on flywheel.
b. Rotate distributor rotor to a position ahead of No. 1 distributor cap terminal.
c. Install distributor into engine, engaging distributor drive with camshaft drive gear. The rotor should be properly positioned under distributor cap No. 1 terminal.
4. Install distributor cap, then the distributor hold down screw finger tight.
5. On 1982 models, install splash shield.
6. Connect primary wiring connector to distributor.
7. On 1982 models, install pick-up coil lead retaining screw.
8. Adjust ignition timing.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.