Distributor: Service and Repair

Fig. 7 Disassembled view of electronic distributor. 1985-86 models w/turbocharger:

Disassemble
1. Remove distributor cap and rotor, Fig. 7.
2. Remove governor assembly attaching bolt, then remove governor assembly. When disassembling the governor assembly, tag the governor springs so they can be installed in their original positions.
3. Remove two attaching screws, then lift IC igniter and pickup coil assembly from distributor, then carefully separate igniter from pickup coil. Do not remove the coating of grease from back of igniter.
4. Remove vacuum advance unit to distributor housing attaching screws, then remove E-clip retaining advance unit link and lift advance unit from distributor.
5. Remove base plate from distributor.
6. Using a suitable punch, remove distributor gear retaining pin, then slide gear from shaft. Before removing gear, place alignment marks on gear and shaft for reassembly.
7. Remove distributor shaft bearing retaining plate, then remove shaft and bearing from distributor.

Fig. 8 Positioning distributor gear on shaft. 1985-86 models w/turbocharger:

Assemble
Before assembling distributor, lubricate all moving components with the appropriate amount of grease. When installing distributor gear, align marks on shaft and gear made when disassembling. If a new gear is to be installed, install rotor on shaft and position rotor electrode so that it is facing the number 1 cylinder electrode on the distributor cap. Position gear on distributor shaft and align retaining pin holes. The alignment marks on the gear and shaft should be as close as shown in Fig. 8. Install distributor gear retaining pin.
Before installing base plate, wipe clean with a lint free cloth to ensure that no metal particles have become adhered to the plate. After installing governor assembly, rotate distributor shaft and check to ensure that projection on signal rotor is not in contact with stator on base plate.