The splines on the distributor drive gear are on an angle, so when you pull up on the distributor, the rotor will turn (some will happen as you install it). So, unplug the distributor and remove the cap. Use a Sharpie to mark the rotor position on the distributor base. Also, put a mark where the hold down bolt is within the adjustment slot. Remove the hold down bolt and pull straight up without turning the base of the distributor (the rotor will turn as you pull up). Once the distributor is removed, mark the location of the rotor on the base. Make similar marks in the exact same locations on the new distributor. As you lower the distributor, the rotor should be in the position of the second mark. As the drive gear engages the cam as you install the distributor, the rotor will turn and when the distributor is fully seated and the base is line up with the hold down bolt hole, the rotor should now be pointing at the first mark. Install the hold down bolt, cap, plug it in and start the engine. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature and adjust the timing with a timing light per the service manual instructions.
|