distributor removal
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 6,477
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque NM
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
distributor removal
On my '89 coupe, I'm trying to take off the distributor. Everything is done, except for the last bolt being taken off. Problem is, I don't exactly know where the last bolt is. The guide says that it is part of a clamp. Any pictures or help? And what is the easiest way to get to it?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Fountain Valley CA
Look where the distributor meets the intake manifold.
There is a 2-finger clamp held down by a 3/8" bolt and is accessed from the passenger side.
Before you pull the distributor, note the position of the rotor, and, how much it will move in the CCW direction. You want to put it back in the same way it came out.
There is a 2-finger clamp held down by a 3/8" bolt and is accessed from the passenger side.
Before you pull the distributor, note the position of the rotor, and, how much it will move in the CCW direction. You want to put it back in the same way it came out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,517
Likes: 1,303
From: Windermere FL
I am sure that your 89 is similar to my 90. You can go to Sears or any auto parts store and get a distributer wrench for a GM. It is kind of oddly shapped and will get the bolt off that holds the clamp for the distributer. You can see it easier and get to it from the pass side. Use the tool to get it loose and you can usually get if off by hand (if you have thin hands and don't mind scrapes).
Don't forget to get the engine to TDC on the compression stroke and mark the #1 position on the intake so you can line it up easily when you reinstall it. You may have to wiggle it out a little.
Don't forget to get the engine to TDC on the compression stroke and mark the #1 position on the intake so you can line it up easily when you reinstall it. You may have to wiggle it out a little.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 0
From: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club
The bolt you are looking for is a 9/16 inch hex head and is located directly below the distribution on the passenger side. Loosen this nut (do not remove it) and slide the "Y" clamp to remove the dist. Before you remove the distributor, remove the cap and note the position of the rotor button. I place a piece of masking tape at wherever the rotor is pointing. You have to install the distributor "just like it was in before removal". There are many teeth on the lower gear and the distributor can be installed in just as many positions....and only one is right! You should also note the position of the distributor cap. Take your time and follow the advice in these posts.....I learned how to do the the hard way! Happy New Year!
SAM
SAM
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Good advice, I also would recommend having a long screw driver on hand for reinstallation-more times than not the oil pump shaft has to be turned slightly, seems like when you remove the dist. it gets a little out of alignment with the bottom notch of the dist. I also use the masking tape-but I put a piece on each plug wire and number them to make sure they go back in right.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 0
From: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club
Rick makes a good point on the screwdriver! If you have not removed a distributor before, the dist tends not "to seat" on the intake manifold as you attempt to place the shaft in the correct position. This is due to the dist shaft not aligning properly with the oil pump shaft. (They come apart very easy and will not go back together???) You can look down into the hole (where the dist goes into the intake manifold) and you can see the top of the oil pump shaft (and the alignment notch for the dist shaft). The long screwdriver allows you to slightly move the oil pump shaft notch to align with the dist shaft and the installation of the distributor is made simple! Good luck with this project and do not forget to retime the engine after you get the dist back into the engine.
