INSTALLATION

Engine Not Disturbed

This condition exists if the engine has not been rotated while the distributor was removed.

1. Position the distributor so that the distributor and block matchmarks are lined up.
2. Position the rotor so that it lines up with the matchmark on the distributor body after the distributor was pulled part way out.
3. Insert the distributor into the block until the gears at the bottom engage and begin turning the rotor. If there is resistance, turn the rotor back and forth slightly so the gears mesh. Once the gears engage and inserting the distributor causes the rotor to turn, push the distributor in until it seats and the rotor is lined up with the first mark made on the body.
4. Install the distributor mounting bolt and tighten it finger-tight.
5. Reconnect the vacuum advance line, if so equipped and distributor wiring connector, and reinstall the gasket and cap.
6. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
7. Adjust the ignition timing as described in Section 2.
8. Tighten the distributor mounting bolt securely.

   Fig. 1: If the distributor has matchmarks already on it, set the engine to TDC No. 1 cylinder and align the housing mark with the gear mating mark

   Fig. 2: An exploded diagram of the 2.0L and 2.6L engines' distributor

   Fig. 3: The components of the 2.4L engine's distributor

   Fig. 4: Exploded diagram of the 3.0L (12 valve) engine's distributor

Engine Disturbed

This condition exists when the engine has been rotated with the distributor removed.

1. If the engine has been rotated while the distributor was out, you will have to first put the engine on No. 1 cylinder at Top Dead Center (TDC) of the compression stroke. You can either remove the valve cover or No. 1 spark plug to determine engine position. Rotate the engine with a socket wrench on the nut at the center of the front pulley in the normal direction of rotation. Either feel for air being expelled forcefully through the spark plug hole or watch for the engine to rotate up to the top center mark without the valves moving (both valves will be closed or all the way up). If the valves are moving as you approach TDC or there is no air being expelled through the plug hole, turn the engine another full turn until you get the appropriate indication as the engine approaches TDC position.
2. Start the distributor into the block with the matchmarks between the distributor body and the block lined up.
3. Turn the rotor slightly until the matchmarks on the bottom of the distributor body and the bottom of the distributor shaft near the gear are aligned.
4. Insert the distributor all the way into the block. If you have trouble getting the distributor and camshaft gears to mesh, turn the rotor back and forth very slightly until the distributor can be inserted easily. If the rotor is not lined up with the position of No. 1 plug terminal, you'll have to pull the distributor back out slightly, shift the position of the rotor appropriately, and then reinstall it.
5. Align the matchmarks between the distributor and block.
6. Install the distributor mounting bolt and tighten it finger-tight.
7. Reconnect the vacuum advance line, if so equipped and distributor wiring connector, and reinstall the gasket and cap.
8. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
9. Adjust the ignition timing as described in Section 2.
10. Tighten the distributor mounting bolt securely.