Disassembling & Assembling Distributor

One or two screwdrivers, and possibly snap ring pliers, are the only tools required for disassembling the breakerless distributor. Although it is possible to disassemble the base plate, the centrifugal advance mechanism, and the distributor shaft for cleaning and inspection, replacement shafts, centrifugal advance parts, and base plates are not supplied as replacement parts.

To remove the Hall sending unit, remove the distributor cap, the suppression shield assembly, the rotor, and the shield plate. Using snap ring pliers, remove the snap ring from atop the trigger wheel. Then use two screwdrivers positioned at opposite sides of the trigger wheel to pry the trigger wheel out. The Hall sending unit can be removed from the base plate by removing the screws and taking off the remaining washers and snap rings.

To remove the base plate, first take out the screws and remove the vacuum unit and the spring steel cap retainers. After removing the remaining screw that passes through the side of the distributor housing, you can lift out the base plate for access to the centrifugal advance mechanism.

During assembly, lightly lubricate the friction surfaces of the base plate with multipurpose grease. Lubricate the centrifugal advance mechanism with engine oil; also applying engine oil to the felt wick that is in the center of the distributor shaft. During routine servicing, you should be sure that this felt wick is saturated with engine oil.