5. Distributor

This heading covers the removal and installation of the distributor, the distributor cap and rotor, the spark plug wires, and the Hall sender. Inspection and testing procedures for these components are covered in 3. Troubleshooting.

The different ignition systems and engines covered in this manual use different distributors. The basic TCI-h system uses a distributor with mechanical advance mechanisms, as shown in Fig. 5-1. The distributor used for the TCI-h system with knock control is very similar-many parts are interchangeable-but since timing advance is controlled electronically, the Hall sender is rigidly mounted and there are no mechanical advance mechanisms. The same type of distributor is used on 16-valve engines (engine code PL, 9A), although there are some physical differences resulting from its unique mounting location on the cylinder head. This distributor is illustrated in Fig. 5-2. Fig. 5-3 shows the distributor cap and suppression shield used on distributors for all engines covered by this manual.

Fig. 5-1.

Distributor assembly used with basic TCI-h ignition system. Distributor used for TCI-h with knock control is similar, but distributor housing has no vacuum diaphragm.

Fig. 5-2.

Distributor used on 16-valve engines (engine code PL, 9A).

Fig. 5-3.

Distributor cap with suppression shield used on all engines. Suppression shield is grounded by distributor cap attachment clips.

The distributor cap and rotor are generally replaced as a part of normal maintenance. See LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE for recommended replacement intervals.

The Hall sender, the trigger wheel, the vacuum diaphragm, the suppression shield, and the dust shield are all available as replacement parts, but replacement is not routinely necessary. The distributor housing parts, including the centrifugal advance mechanism and shaft bushings, are not available. The distributor housing must be replaced as a unit.