GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1996 🢒 Corvette 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Distributor Disassemble

Disassembly Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 39997 Ignition Distributor Cap Socket
    • J 39998 Ignition Distributor Rotor

Notice: 

   • The distributor and the timing disk must be kept clean of any foreign material. Contamination can lead to engine misfiring or distributor damage.
   • Do not disassemble the distributor or disconnect any electrical connectors or wires until all coolant has been cleaned from the distributor and the surrounding area.
   • Do not touch the timing disk sensor or the distributor base during removal or installation.
   • Discoloration of the distributor cap and some whitish terminal buildup is normal. Yellowing of the cap, darkening, and some carbon buildup under the rotor segment is normal. Replace the cap or rotor only if driveability is affected.
   • Do not get cleaning agents on the hall effect switch. Premature failure of the switch may occur.

  1. Remove the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  2. Remove the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer and Hub Replacement in Engine Mechanical.
  3. Remove the spark plug wire harness from the distributor.
  4. Disconnect the PCM connector.

    5. Important: Do not allow any foreign material to enter open vacuum lines. Cap the ends of the vacuum lines as necessary.

  5. Remove the vacuum harness. Refer to Section 6E.

    6. Object Number: 19567 Size: SH
  6. Remove the distributor cap bolts using J 39997 .
  7. Remove the distributor cap.

    8. Object Number: 19569 Size: SH
  8. Remove the rotor bolts using J 39998 .
  9. Remove the rotor.

    10. Object Number: 21466 Size: SH

    Important: Do not touch the timing disk, sensor or distributor base.

  10. Remove the distributor cover and the shield.

Inspection Procedure
  1. Inspect the distributor base for damage, corrosion, or plastic particles. If any of these conditions exist, replace the distributor. Refer to Distributor .
  2. The distributor is driven by a camshaft pin that mates to one slot in the distributor driveshaft. Align the distributor driveshaft slot with the distributor base timing mark.
  3. Rotate the engine crankshaft until the number one piston is at the top dead center with the intake and the exhaust valves closed. The camshaft pin will be at the 9 o'clock position.