[u]NOTES FROM THE AUTHOR[/u]
It seems like old age is becoming apparent for our cars these days. Electrical systems exposed to harsh conditions such as the ignition system takes its toll and eventually break down; leaving you stranded in the most desolate of places, and always when you need the car the most (damn that Murphy).
I actually just changed the distributor cap and rotor. I took pictures of removing the ignition coil at the same time since it was in the way and very easy to remove. For some odd reason, the ignition coil is very expensive. But at least you do not need to pay a mechanic extra hard-earned dollars to install it. Everything in this Teg Tip is easily accomplished using basic hand tools. You could probably do the work in under 30 minutes.
I find this Teg Tip to be not so detailed, as I no longer use action shots (ie. my hand sliding the coil off for example), but instead opted to use Photoshop to highlight screws and bolts that need to be removed. It should still be easy to follow and very straightforward.
TOOLS
- 1/4" Ratchet with extension
- 1/4" 8mm socket
- #2 Phillips Screwdriver
- Flathead Screwdriver
Additional screwdrivers in different sizes can be very handy to have around as well. You technically do not need the ratchet and socket as I only used those to remove the distributor mounting bolts. The bolts also have a phillips screw head, so if you’re jammed with barely any tools, the ratchet MAY not be a necessity.
ABOUT REPLACEMENT PARTS
Distributor Cap: Make sure the distributor cap comes with a replacement gasket. If you are unable to acquire one, I suggest that you be very careful when removing the existing gasket. Also, the distributor cap SHOULD come with replacement mounting bolt/screws. My Distributor Cap cost me roughly $25CDN.
Distributor Rotor: Make sure the rotor comes with a mounting screw as well. This is very important as you might strip the screw head on your old screw. The rotor cost me roughly $7CDN.
Ignition Coil/Ignitor: I did not purchase one. I hear they cost around $100CDN. Check and make sure it comes with replacement mounting screws and possibly terminal wire screws.
[u]PROLOGUE[/u]
Task: Distributor Cap/Rotor; Ignition Coil/Ignitor Removal/Replacement/Installation
Difficulty: Easy
Approx. Time Required: 30 minutes
Engines applicable:
- B16A 89-91
- B18A 90-91
- Other B-Series Engines will look different and screws will be in different locations or lack thereof. Overall, the design is very similar, if not the same.
Engine used in this guide: B16A 89-91
NOTE: If pictures do not show, the album can be found here: http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291335445
[u]STEP 1[/u]
You can try doing this while the engine is hot, but I must caution you of possible burn marks on your hands.
BIG NOTE:Now, mark the relation of each spark plug wire relative to the distributor cap. This is very important as you do not want to mix this up. Doing so may cause engine damage.
Remove the spark plug wires from the distributor. It may not be necessary to remove the wires from the spark plugs, but if you feel that they are in the way, then do so.
Refer to Figure 1a and 1b. Using a phillips screwdriver, or an 8mm socket, remove the distributor mounting bolt/screws. Once done, you can easily remove the distributor cap.
Fig. 1a - Remove Distributor Mounting Bolt/Screws.
Fig. 1b - Remove Third Mounting Bolt/Screw which is located beneath the Distributor Cap.
[u]STEP 2[/u]
Step 2 involves removing the gasket and getting to know the internals of the distributor system. If you plan on reusing the gasket, I suggest that you be careful in removing it as it is VERY brittle. Refer to Fig. 2
Fig. 2 - Remove gasket. Get to know location of Rotor and Ignitor.
[u]STEP 3[/u]
Remove the Ignition Coil/Ignitor Terminal Wire Screws. The wires are not very taut, so be careful that you DO NOT accidentally snap it off. Refer to Fig. 3
Fig. 3 - Remove Ignitor Terminal Wire Screws
[u]STEP 4[/u]
In order to remove the ignition coil, remove the ignition coil mounting screws as shown in Fig. 4. The coil will easily slide out afterwards.
Fig. 4 - Remove Mounting Screws to remove Ignitor
[u]STEP 5[/u]
Now, you’re only left with the Distributor Rotor. I had a hard time removing the screw (almost stripped it). So, to make life easier, I cranked the engine very rapidly to get the rotor to point like shown in Fig. 5. This way, I am able to apply all my weight downwards on the mounting screw to loosen it.
Afterward, you may have to use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the rotor.
Fig. 5 - Remove rotor mount screw and pry/slide off rotor.
[u]STEP 6[/u]
Installation is Reverse, and you are done! Do not forget to reattach the inner cover as it protects exposed engine wires from calcium deposits produced by the cap & rotor contacts. Also, do not forget to install the distributor cap gasket.
[u]CONCLUSION[/u]
Take her for a spin. Not much to it, eh? If you have further questions, feel free to ask me either here on the boards or email me the_oz@hotmail.com
Regards,
Oz
