1997 Nissan Pickup XE - Distributor Replacement

[TCOLLINS1991]

Hello,

I am about to replace my distributor on my nissan pickup xe 4 cylinder, I am wondering if someone has a video of the replacement and or detailed intructions on completing this task. I have watched videos for other model vehicles and have the general idea but would like some reissurance.

Thanks

[whomadewho]

Answered your post but site wouldn't post answer.

[TCOLLINS1991]

If there is a detailed link somewhere or video that would be awesome really need some help on this i dont want to throw it out of time on accident and have to take it somewhere.

[whomadewho]

I am going to give it another try this PM.

[whomadewho]

I am going to try it again using several posts. FIRST - Remove pan or plate below the crankshaft pulley - Note common for the screws to break off . If several snap off you can drill a new hole and install a self tapping sheet metal screw NEXT - with a socket & ratchet -Rotate the crankshaft pulley until the timing marks located on the pulley are visible. Clean the area - sandpaper works the best. I usually spray paint the area so the marks can be easy seen

[whomadewho]

There is a POINTER located on the timing cover - just above the crankshaft pulley - NOTE - Hard to clean with a rag - I usually use some sort of aresol spray carb or brake cleaner - NOTE - before reinstalling the plate or pan lubricate the bolt threads.

[whomadewho]

NEXT - remove the distributor cap NOTE - Take notice where number ONE plug wire is located on the cap - remove wire from cap Not necessary to remove all the wires.. NEXT - with the socket& ratchet on the crankshaft pulley bolt - ROTATE the pulley - the area you painted should line up with the the pointer you cleaned . Note there are 5 notches - On the area you painted - line the pointer up with the center or middle notch or grove. TAKE NOTICE where the rotor on the distributor is pointing to - With the cap placed back on the distributor - The rotor should line up with number 1 - or where you removed the plug wire - IF the rotor is pointing in the opposite direction - SIMPLY rotate the crankshaft pulley until the rotor points to number 1 wire. The engine is now at TDC - top dead center.

[whomadewho]

There are TWO bolts on the distributor. On the bolt that faces toward the engine block - There is a slot in the distributor housing take note or mark the area so when you install the new distributor you have a good idea where tighten the bolt - The engine should be close to being in time.

[whomadewho]

After removing the two bolts from the housing. Rotate the housing in a back & forth motion & gently lift the housing from the engine block.. NOTE - The wire harness that connects to the distributor housing - ITS possible to break the plastic on the housing . There is a tool to remove the harness - but with a couple of small flat screwdrivers and a lot of patience it's possible to remove the harness . There is also another plug that connects to a condenser.

[whomadewho]

Installing the new distributor --- Clean the area where the distributor fits in the engine block - Lubricant the distributor shaft & the O ring. Plug the wire harness back in the distributor - before installing - Place one hand on the housing - the other hand on the rotor - GENTLY place the distributor back in place rotating the housing and distributor shaft until it falls in place. NOTE - NOT possible to get it in wrong - Only fits one way. Install the distributor cap and wire -- lubricant the distributor cap screw threads - makes future removal easier Good luck - Any questions feel free to ask. Someone should reply. WELCOME TO THE SITE

[whomadewho]

The engine timing should be rechecked. Not a big deal, the hardest thing would be finding someone with a timing light.

[TCOLLINS1991]

Thanks man, I am gonna give it a shot!