Tools Required

1. Remove the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement .
2. Remove the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer and Hub Replacement .
3. Disconnect the spark plug wire harness from the distributor.
4. Disconnect the four-terminal PCM connector from the distributor.
5. Disconnect the vacuum harness from the distributor. Refer to Distributor Ventilation System .




Notice: The distributor and the timing disk must be kept clean and free of oil, dirt, and engine coolant. Any contamination may lead to engine misfire and distributor damage. Do not disassemble the distributor until all coolant has been cleaned from the distributor and the surrounding area.

6. Remove the distributor bolts/screws using J 39997 or equivalent.
7. Remove the distributor cap.
8. Remove the rotor bolts/screws using J 39998 or equivalent.
9. Remove the rotor.

Important: Do not touch the timing disk, sensor, or distributor base.

10. Remove the distributor cover and the shield.
11. Inspect the distributor base and the timing disk for damage, corrosion, or plastic particles. If any are present replace the entire distributor.

Tools Required

1. Install the shield and the distributor cover.
2. Install the rotor.
3. Install the rotor bolts/screws using J 39998 or equivalent.

Tighten
Tighten the rotor bolts/screws to 0.7 N·m (6 lb in).

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

4. Install the distributor cap.
5. Install the distributor cap bolts/screws using J 39997 or equivalent.

Tighten
Tighten the distributor cap bolts/screws to 2.8 N·m (25 lb in).

6. Connect the vacuum harness to the distributor. Refer to Distributor Ventilation System .
7. Connect the four-terminal PCM connector to the distributor.
8. Connect the spark plug wire harness to the distributor.
9. Install the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer and Hub Replacement .
10. Install the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement .