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.
1978 Subaru FEFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
NIPPONDENSO Electronic Ignition System: Overhaul: Disassembly
- Remove distributor cap, rotor, dust cover and packing. Remove pick-up coil assembly, vacuum advance mechanism, breaker plate and drive pinion. See Figure. Discard pinion.
- Remove 2 screws from bottom of distributor housing and using a plastic hammer, carefully drive out shaft. Remove thick washer, bearing, thin washer, spring, and Blue washer from shaft. Remove governor springs, timing rotor (reluctor), weight snap rings and weights.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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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.