Distributor Timing Tutorial

Purpose- This tutorial applies if you have removed the distrubutor or plan on removing it. As long as you don't move the rotor or crankshaft, your timing will not change.

Lazy approach- dont bother with finding top dead center. make the 3 reference marks as described in 3 below and be careful not to move anything.

Tools

Procedure

1. Remove the two philip heads screws holding distributor cap on and remove dist. cap. (the s14 might have bolts)This wont affect timing.

2. Find compression top dead center by cranking the engine until you can see timing marks and rotor is pointing close to cylinder no. 1. Get to the exact mark, by rotating crankshaft with 27 mm socket(clockwise). If you don't understand there are two top dead centers. click here

Top dead center tutorial

3. Before removing distributor, mark position of rotor on distributor housing and mark where the 10 mm bolt is in the slot. More importantly, also mark position of rotor after you remove distributor as rotor rotates as you remove it. The last mark is where the rotor should line up before you slide distributor back in. You might have to twist dist slightly to get it out and in. So, there are 3 reference marks to make. Make sure to number your ignition wires with silver sharpie at both ends.

4. To replace distributor, make sure rotor lines up with the mark you made after you pulled distributor out. It will be the mark that is furthest counterclockwise. Also, ensure you are at top dead center. Distributor should slide in with a very slight twist.(same as when it came out)

5. Replace the dist. cap and sparkplug wires. Don't get the wires mixed up.Car should start up and be fine. Swivel the distributor in the slot to find best place on tooth. See timing light guide to double check timing : Timing Light guide . If your car does not start, click here Dist. timing trouble-shoot

Following picture is for a 1991 240sx(mitsubishi) distributor

Modified by vancouverbc at 12:08 AM 8/8/2008

Modified by vancouverbc at 4:23 AM 8/9/2008

Modified by vancouverbc at 4:25 AM 8/9/2008