I need to install a new distributor in my 84 wagon (4x4) auto....and I have little-to-modest car repair knowledge, yet I am disciplined enough to figure most things out (I hope). What is the proceure in installing a new distributor? Is it simply removing the old one, popping in the new one...and your done (wishful thinking)? What the step-by-step......is it simple enough far one of my meeger knowledge to do, or am I getting myself into a world of sh**!

 

Thanks in advance for your input,

 

Cheers............

Easy to do.

 

Step 1: roll the engine over to TDC (0*) as indicated on the flywheel

 

Easy way to find TDC is to remove the #1 (pass side, front) spark plug, put a socket on the crank pulley bolt, put your finger over the hole, and turn the engine over with the socket (clockwise, mind you) till you feel pressure blowing out of the cylinder. When the pressure stops, look through the timing cover.. look for the 0* mark. Line it up with the indicator.

 

An alternate way of finding TDC is to remove the dizzy cap, and turn the engine over till the rotor points to the #1 plug wire, then look through the timing cover for the marks on the flywheel. Line em up, and move on.

 

Step2: Undo the 10mm bolt that restrains the distributor in the block.

 

Step3: Pull the dizzy straight out.

 

Step4: Hold the new dizzy in your hand, cap off, rotor installed. Orient it the same way as your old one was in the block. Turn the rotor to point to where the #1 plug wire would be, then turn it slightly further counter clockwise from that point.

 

Step5: While holding the rotor steady, push the distributor into the block. You'll notice the rotor will turn a few degrees clockwise as you press it in. Thats normal, and why I said to offset it in step4.

 

Step6: Cap & plug wires. See if she fires up. Adjust timing as necessary to get her to run. If you cannot adjust the timing enough for a steady run, you'll need to remove the distributor and reinstall it. You're one tooth off on the gear.

 

Step7: Once you get it running steady, reinstall the restraining bolt, and adjust timing to specs. Remember to remove the vac advance line when you set the base timing. Make sure all your bolts are tight.

 

You're done.

 

Typing out directions makes it seem like a chore to do, but it really is easy. Honestly, the hardest part about this whole thing is getting the engine turned over to #1 TDC.

 

If you're able to figure out how things work, I dont forsee you having any real trouble doing this task. Good luck.

 

edit: here's a picture of where each cylinder is, and what plug wires are what on the distributor cap. just in case.

If you have an EA82 motor to adjust the base timing make sure you connect the GREEN TEST connectors by the ECU first, then time it to specs.

 

Also on the EA82 Dizzy's there is an index mark on the bottom near the gear on the shaft housing that you line up before dropping it in.

If the old distributor is still in the car, remove the distributor cap (leave plug wire on it)

 

Mark where the rotor is pointing by making a chalk mark or something on the motor or body right where its pointing.

 

Unbolt old distributor and remove.

 

Install new distributor so that the hold down bolts line up and the new rotor lines up with the mark you made on the body, motor, etc..

 

put new cap on the new distributor, hold the old cap up next to it and transfer the plug wire over one by one so you don't have to worry about whether they are on the right spot or not

 

Genius!.............thanks!

 

Now (choking in embarassment).....could you explain "timing" (agian....I'm trying to learn to take care of my subi, gota start somewhere......) I think I got it but just what to know exactly from an expert...........

 

Thanks