Im about to replace my dist this week. Been reading up on it and im confused. Some say I can make 2 marks on the old one( where the rotor is before i pull it, and where the rotor is after I pull it) and i wont have to take it to shop to get timed.

Other places say I must take it to shop to get timed.

Which is it?

I know to get it to tdc on number one cylinder, and to make sure rotor is pointing to number one spot on dist, but can I do this without having to take it in to shop to be timed. I thought pcm handles timing on these trucks.

 

Are you pulling the entire distributor or just the cap? If entire distributor you will probabaly have to get the fuel sync set. The distributor controls when the injectors fire, pcm controlls the timing

 

Why are you replacing the dist?

 

I relpaced the distributor in my truck not too long ago without having to take it to the dealer or shop. I just made sure that the rotor and the distributor housing was re-installed/oriented exactly like the old distributor. I also replaced the distributor cap and wires with new parts during this process. No problems or issues encountered..

 

Im replacing it for two reasons.

1. Its one of the few original parts left on the truck and Im wondering if its contributing to my problem

2. The holes that the cap screws go into are broken


Im planning on marking locations of rotor on body of dist before and after removal. It is my understanding that it is going to move as I pull it out. Then I will position new dist rotor in the position of the second mark, install it and that should move it back to where the original mark was. I have read all I can on this. I think it will work.

Ill post my results and pics after I do it. Hopefully it will help someone else down the road. Even if its dont do what I did kind of help.

 

Depends on what the proble is that you are experiencing.....


That probably isn't easy to do! But if the holes are stripped out, replacing it is probably the best option.

 

Need to mark the dist body, and block as well... Of course, if you are replacing the dist.... marks aren't going to help you anyway...

 

You can make all the marks you want, but will need to get your fuel sync set if you pull the distributor.

 

i replaced the dist. on my buddys 99, and it didnt have to have the fuel sync reset. i have a damn good photographic memory, and remembered which way the old dist was installed and put it back exactly there, and boom, firing on all 8 perfectly!

some call it luck, i call it, im a damn good mechanic!

guess its all about having the smarts and know how.

 

Would be interesting to put a scanner on it, and see how close you are.