GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Disassembly Procedure

Notice: The ignition system distributor driven gear and rotor may be installed in multiple positions. In order to avoid mistakes, mark the distributor on the following components in order to ensure the same mounting position upon reassembly:

   • The distributor driven gear
   • The distributor shaft
   • The rotor holes
Installing the driven gear 180 degrees out of alignment, or locating the rotor in the wrong holes, will cause a no-start condition. Premature engine wear or damage may result.


    Object Number: 301393  Size: SH
  1. Remove the two screws that hold the distributor cap to the housing.
  2. Discard the screws.
  3. Remove the distributor cap from the housing.

  4. Object Number: 301395  Size: SH
  5. Align white paint mark on the bottom stem of the distributor, and the pre-drilled indent hole in the bottom of the gear (3).
  6. With the gear in this position, the rotor segment should be positioned as shown for a V6 engine (1) or V8 engine (2) If not, replace the distributor.

  7. Object Number: 301396  Size: SH
  8. Remove the two screws from the rotor.
  9. Remove the rotor.

  10. Object Number: 156752  Size: SH
  11. Note the locating holes that the rotor was removed from:
  12. • The rotor screw holes (1)
    • The rotor locator pin holes (2)

    Object Number: 301398  Size: SH
  13. Remove the two screws that hold the camshaft position (CMP) sensor.
  14. Discard the screws.

  15. Object Number: 156754  Size: SH
  16. Line up the square-cut hole in the vane wheel with the CMP sensor.

  17. Object Number: 156755  Size: SH
  18. Remove the CMP sensor.
  19. Note the dimple located below the roll pin hole on one side of the gear. The dimple will be used to properly orient the gear onto the shaft during reassembly.

  20. Object Number: 301198  Size: SH

    Caution: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.

  21. Support the distributor drive gear in a V-block or similar fixture.
  22. Drive out the roll pin with a suitable punch.

  23. Object Number: 301405  Size: SH
  24. Remove the driven gear from the distributor shaft.
  25. Remove the round washer.
  26. Remove the tang washer.
  27. Remove the round washer (1), if equipped, 7.4L engine only.

  28. Object Number: 301419  Size: SH
  29. Remove the old oil seal.

Assembly Procedure


    Object Number: 156754  Size: SH
  1. Line up the square-cut hole in the vane wheel for the camshaft position (CMP) sensor.

  2. Object Number: 156755  Size: SH
  3. Insert the sensor into the housing.

  4. Object Number: 301398  Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  5. Install two NEW screws for the camshaft position (CMP) sensor.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2.2 N·m (20 lb in).


    Object Number: 156752  Size: SH
  7. Identify the correct rotor mounting position:
  8. • At the rotor screw holes (1)
    • At the rotor locator pin holes (2)

    Object Number: 301396  Size: SH
  9. Install the distributor rotor according to the index marks.
  10. Install two rotor hold down screws.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 1.9 N·m (17 lb in).


    Object Number: 301405  Size: SH

    Notice: The ignition system distributor driven gear and rotor may be installed in multiple positions. In order to avoid mistakes, mark the distributor on the following components in order to ensure the same mounting position upon reassembly:

       • The distributor driven gear
       • The distributor shaft
       • The rotor holes
    Installing the driven gear 180 degrees out of alignment, or locating the rotor in the wrong holes, will cause a no-start condition. Premature engine wear or damage may result.

  12. Install the round washer (1), 7.4L engine only.
  13. Install the tang washer over the bottom of the distributor shaft.
  14. Install the round washer.
  15. Install the driven gear according to the index marks.

  16. Object Number: 301395  Size: SH
  17. Align the rotor segment as shown for a V6 engine (1) or V8 engine (2).
  18. Install the gear and align white paint mark on the bottom stem of the distributor, and the pre-drilled indent hole in the bottom of the gear (3).
  19. Check to see If the driven gear is installed incorrectly, the dimple will be approximately 180 degrees opposite the rotor segment when it is installed in the distributor.

  20. Object Number: 301198  Size: SH

    Caution: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.

  21. Support the distributor drive gear in a V-block or similar fixture.
  22. Install the roll pin with a suitable punch and hammer in order to hold the driven gear in the correct position.

  23. Object Number: 301393  Size: SH
  24. Install the distributor cap.
  25. Install two NEW distributor cap screws.
  26. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2.4 N·m (21 lb in).


    Object Number: 301419  Size: SH
  27. Install the new oil seal under the mounting flange of the distributor base.