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.
Installation Procedure 2
- Rotate the crankshaft balancer clockwise until the alignment marks on the crankshaft balancer are aligned with the tabs on the engine front cover and the number 1 piston is at TDC of the compression stroke.
- Align the white paint mark on the bottom stem of the distributor, with the pre-drilled indent hole in the bottom of the gear (3).
- The distributor driven gear
- The distributor shaft
- The rotor holes
- With the gear in this position, the rotor segment should be positioned as shown for a V6 engine (1).
- Using a long screwdriver, align the oil pump drive shaft to the drive tab of the distributor.
- Guide the distributor into the engine.
Ensure that the spark plug towers are perpendicular to the centerline of the engine.
- Once the distributor is fully seated, the rotor segment should be aligned with the pointer cast into the distributor base.
- This pointer may have a 6 cast into it, indicating that the distributor is to be used on a 6 cylinder engine.
- If the rotor segment does not come within a few degrees of the pointer, the gear mesh between the distributor and the camshaft may be off a tooth or more.
- If this is the case, repeat the procedure again in order to achieve proper alignment.
- Install the distributor hold down bolt.
Tighten:Β Tighten the bolt to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
- Install the distributor cap.
- Install NEW distributor cap screws.
Tighten:Β Tighten the screws to 2.4 N.m (21 lb in).
- Connect the following electrical connectors:
- CMP sensor (2)
- Fuel pump/oil pressure sensor (3)
Installing the driven gear 180 degrees out of alignment, or locating the rotor in the wrong holes, will cause a no-start condition. Premature engine wear or damage may result.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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