Table of contents: Removal ↓ Installation ↓ Disassembly ↓ Cleaning and checking the condition ↓ Assembly ↓
Removal
1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
2. Remove the distributor cap assembly with high voltage wires.
3. Disconnect the electrical wiring and the vacuum hose of the ignition corrector from the distributor.
4. Turn the engine clockwise so that the rotor turns with its nose towards the location of the spark plug wire terminal of the first cylinder. Make sure that the timing marks on the engine are aligned.
5. Mark the position of the distributor housing relative to the cylinder head, then loosen the mounting bolt and remove the distributor. Try to remember in which direction the runner turned and fix its final position.
Installation
Installation is carried out in reverse order.
1. Check the condition of the distributor sealing ring(s), replace any defective ones.
2. If the engine was turned over after removing the distributor, turn the crankshaft to bring the piston of the first cylinder to a position close to the TDC position of the end of the compression stroke, then align the TDC mark of the crankshaft with the zero mark of the distribution scale on the timing cover.
Note: If you remove the spark plug of the first cylinder and pinch the spark plug hole with your finger, then as the piston approaches the TDC position of the end of the compression stroke, a distinct feeling of pressure will appear.
3. If the engine does not turn, return the runner to its original position (which he occupied after being removed from the engine) and install the distributor into the cylinder head, aligning the mounting marks. Screw in the mounting bolt.
4. Connect the electrical wiring and vacuum hose to the distributor and perform the ignition timing adjustment.
Disassembly
3.0L models
1. Loosen the mounting screw and remove the runner. Remove the rev limiter screen and O-rings (see accompanying illustration).
1 - sealing ring; 2 - screen for switching the rev limiter; 3 - runner; 4 - lid; 5 - screw; 6 - wires
2. Disconnect the electrical wiring from the control unit. Loosen the mounting screws and remove the wiring harness from the distributor.
3. Loosen the mounting screws and remove the stator and magnet (the internal components of the distributor are shown in the accompanying illustration).
1 - screws; 2 - vacuum ignition advance corrector; 3 - sealing ring; 4 - body; 5 - weights; 6 - springs; 7 - ignition sensor rotor shaft; 8 - base plate; 9 - control unit; 10 - electrical wiring; 11 - ignition sensor rotor; 12 - stator; 13 - magnet
4. Using two screwdrivers, remove the ignition sensor rotor from the shaft and remove the cylindrical pin. Remember the installation position of the rotor.
5. Remove the remaining screws securing the vacuum corrector unit. Remove the E-clamp and remove the unit from the distributor.
6. Loosen the mounting screws and remove the base plate from the distributor.
7. Supporting the distributor drive gear, loosen the ignition sensor rotor shaft mounting screw. Remove the shaft from the distributor housing.
8. Mark the installation positions of the springs and weights of the ignition timing corrector.
9. Disconnect and remove the springs.
10. Remove the E-clips and remove the corrector weights.
Models 4.2L
Distributor components
1 - wiring harness; 2 - screws; 3 - breaker contacts; 4 - base plate; 5 - wire; 6 - capacitor; 7 - cam; 8 - E-clips; 9 - springs; 10 - weights; 11 - vacuum corrector block; 12 - gear; 13 - body; 14 - sealing ring
1. Loosen the mounting screws and remove the rotor from the distributor shaft. Remove the rev limiter switching screen and O-rings.
2. Remove the mounting screws and remove the wiring harness from the distributor.
3. Remove the remaining fasteners and remove the breaker contact assembly from the distributor.
4. Loosen the mounting screws and remove the ground wire from the distributor.
5. Loosen the remaining screws securing the vacuum corrector unit. Remove the E-clamp and pull the vacuum corrector out of the distributor.
6. Loosen the mounting screws and remove the base plate from the distributor.
7. Support the drive gear and loosen the cam mounting screw. Remove the cam from the distributor housing.
8. Mark the installation positions of the springs and weights of the ignition timing corrector.
9. Disconnect and remove the springs.
10. Remove the E-clips and remove the corrector weights.
Cleaning and checking the condition
1. Thoroughly wash all components, except electrical components and the vacuum advance corrector unit, in a suitable solvent.
2. Assess the degree of wear of the lower shaft and distributor housing. Replace if necessary.
3. Check the cam, weights and springs for signs of wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
4. Check the base plate for wear and damage. Replace if necessary.
5. On 4.2L models, check the breaker contacts for signs of wear or pitting. Replace if necessary.
Note: When installing a new breaker contact assembly, be sure to also replace the capacitor.
6. Check the distributor cap, rotor and rev limiter screen for cracks, carbon tracks, burnouts and signs of corrosion on the terminals.
7. Assess the degree of wear of the central corner. Measure the amount of its protrusion.
8. Check the vacuum corrector unit for signs of leaks through the diaphragm by pressing on the connecting rod, pressing your finger against the suction tube, then releasing the rod. The vacuum under your finger should be maintained for at least 30 seconds.
9. Check the condition of the sealing rings, replace defective ones.
10. Assess the degree of wear of the drive gear.
Assembly
3.0L models
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly.
1. Moderately lubricate the weight axles, springs and rods of the vacuum advance corrector with high-temperature grease.
2. Install the weights and springs according to the marks made during dismantling. Secure them with E-shaped clamps.
3. Install the ignition sensor rotor shaft, screw in the mounting screw.
4. Install the base plate and secure it with screws.
5. Install the timing advance vacuum corrector unit and E-clamp.
6. Install the wiring harness and secure it with screws. Screw in the vacuum corrector unit mounting screws.
7. Adjust the air gap.
8. Install the speed limiter screen and O-rings.
9. Install the runner and secure it with the screw.
10. Install the distributor on the engine.
Models 4.2L
1. Moderately lubricate the weight axles, springs and rods of the vacuum advance corrector with high-temperature grease.
2. Install the weights and springs according to the marks made during dismantling. Secure them with E-shaped clamps.
3. Install the cam and secure it with the screw.
4. Install the base plate, do not install the mounting screws at this stage.
5. Install the timing advance vacuum corrector unit and E-clamp.
6. Install the ground wire and tighten the screws to secure the base plate.
7. Install the breaker contact assembly and secure it with screws.
8. Install the wiring harness and secure it with screws. Screw in the vacuum corrector unit mounting screws.
9. Adjust the gap in the breaker contacts.
10. Install the speed limiter screen and O-rings.
11. Install the runner and secure it with the screw.
Information copied from the website (NissanBook.ru)
12. Install the distributor on the engine.