Distributor - removal and refitting
Pre-1986 models
Removal
1 The distributor is precisely positioned for optimum ignition timing during production and marked accordingly with a punch mark on the distributor mounting flange and the cylinder head.
Distributor and cylinder head alignment marks (arrowed)
2 Disconnect the HT leads from the spark plugs.
3 Disconnect the wiring harness multi-plug from the distributor.
4 Release the distributor cap retaining clips, lift off the cap and position it, with the HT leads, to one side.
Distributor cap removal
5 Unscrew and remove the two distributor flange mounting bolts and withdraw the distributor from the cylinder head.
6 Check the distributor spindle for side-toside movement. If excessive movement is found, the distributor must be renewed as it is not possible to obtain individual components for overhaul.
Refitting
7 Before refitting the distributor, check the condition of the oil seal beneath the mounting flange and renew it if necessary.
8 Hold the distributor so that the punch marks on the distributor body and the offset drive dog are in approximate alignment, then insert the distributor into its recess.
9 Check that the drive components have engaged and then rotate the distributor until the punch marks on flange and head are in alignment. Insert the bolts and tighten to the specified torque.
10 Reconnect all the disconnected components.
New unit
11 Where a new distributor is being installed, its flange will obviously not have a punch mark and it must therefore be fitted in the following way.
12 Hold the distributor in approximately its fitted position and also ensure that the drive dog is in approximately the correct alignment to engage with the offset segments of the camshaft dog.
13 Locate the distributor on the cylinder head. When you are sure that the drive dogs are fully engaged, screw in the flange bolts so that they are not only positioned centrally inthe flange slots, but still allow the distributor to be rotated stiffly.
14 Reconnect the distributor cap, the spark plug leads and the LT multi-plug.
15 Using a little quick-drying white paint, increase the contrast of the timing notch in the crankshaft pulley and the appropriate mark on the timing belt cover scale.
Ignition timing marks - pre 1986
16 Connect a timing light (stroboscope) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
17 Start the engine, allow it to idle and point the timing light at the timing marks. They should appear stationary and in alignment. If they are not, rotate the distributor as necessary to bring them into line and then tighten one of the distributor bolts.
18 Switch off the engine, remove the timing light and then tighten all the distributor mounting bolts to the specified torque.
19 Punch mark the distributor flange at a point exactly opposite the mark on the cylinder head. Future installation can then be carried out as described in paragraphs 1 to 10 of this Section.
1.0 and 1.1 litre models - 1986 onwards
Removal
20 Disconnect the leads from the spark plugs, spring back the retaining clips and lift off the distributor cap.
21 Disconnect the distributor LT wiring multiplug
The distributor LT wiring multi-plug
and the vacuum hose at the distributor vacuum unit.
22 Remove No 1 spark plug (nearest the crankshaft pulley).
23 Place a finger over the plug hole and turn the crankshaft in thermal direction of rotation (clockwise viewed from the crankshaft pulley end) until pressure is felt in No 1 cylinder. This indicates that the piston is commencing its compression stroke. The crankshaft can be turned with a spanner on the pulley bolt.
24 Refer to the Specifications and look up the ignition timing setting for the engine being worked on.
25 Continue turning the crankshaft until the notch on the pulley is aligned with the correct setting on the scale located just above and to the right of the pulley. The “O” mark on the scale represents top dead centre (TDC) and the raised projections to the left of TDC are in increments of 4° BTDC.
Ignition timing marks - 1986 on
A Crankshaft pulley notch
B Timing cover scale
26 Check that the rotor arm is pointing to the notch on the rim of the distributor body.
Rotor arm in alignment with distributor body rim notch
27 Make a mark on the distributor body and a corresponding mark on the cylinder block to aid refitting.
28 Undo the bolt securing the distributor clamp plate to the cylinder block, then withdraw the distributor from its location. As the distributor is removed, the rotor arm will move a few degrees clockwise. Note the new position of the rotor arm and make an alignment mark on the distributor body rim.
Refitting
29 Before installing the distributor make sure that the crankshaft is still positioned as previously described. If a new distributor is being fitted, transfer the markings made during removal to the new unit.
30 Hold the distributor over its hole in the cylinder block, with the mark made on the distributor body aligned with the mark made on the cylinder block.
31 Position the rotor arm so that it points to the mark made on the distributor rim after removal, and push the distributor fully home. As the skew gears mesh, the rotor arm will move anti-clockwise and should align with the manufacturer’s mark on the distributor rim.
32 With the distributor in place, turn the body slightly if necessary so that the arms of the trigger wheel and stator are aligned, then refit and tighten the clamp plate bolt.
33 Reconnect the LT wiring multi-plug and vacuum hose, then refit the distributor cap, spark plug and plug leads.
34 Adjust the ignition timing.
1.4 litre models
35 The procedure is the same as described in paragraphs 1 to 19 but additionally, disconnect the vacuum pipe at the distributor vacuum unit. When refitting the distributor, leave the vacuum pipe disconnected and plug its end when setting the distributor position. Refit the pipe on completion.