Changing the distributor on a 1997 Chevy 350 is a comparatively simple process that may be accomplished in roughly two hours. Nevertheless, it is very important notice that this activity requires some mechanical expertise and information. Earlier than making an attempt this restore, it’s essential to seek the advice of a service guide or search steerage from a professional mechanic. Moreover, it’s important to make sure you have the required instruments and substitute components earlier than commencing the substitute course of.
Earlier than you start, collect the required substitute components, together with a brand new distributor, gasket, and O-ring. Additionally, you will want primary hand instruments equivalent to a socket wrench set, screwdrivers, and pliers. After getting every thing you want, park your car in a secure and well-lit space, have interaction the parking brake, and disconnect the unfavourable battery terminal.
To begin the substitute course of, find the distributor, often located on the entrance of the engine. Take away the distributor cap and thoroughly examine the rotor and terminals for any indicators of damage or injury. Subsequent, disconnect {the electrical} connectors hooked up to the distributor. Utilizing a socket wrench, loosen the mounting bolt securing the distributor to the engine block. Rigorously raise the distributor straight up and out of the engine, taking care to not injury the O-ring or gasket. Clear the mating floor on the engine block and apply a small quantity of sealant to the brand new gasket earlier than putting in it. Place the brand new distributor over the gasket, guaranteeing correct alignment, and tighten the mounting bolt securely. Reconnect {the electrical} connectors and set up the distributor cap. Lastly, reconnect the unfavourable battery terminal and begin the engine to examine for correct operation.
Collect Instruments and Security Precautions
Important Instruments:
- Socket wrench set with extensions
- Torque wrench
- Distributor wrench or socket
- Gasket scraper
- Distributor cap and rotor
- Rags or store towels
- Flashlight
Security Precautions:
- Disconnect the unfavourable battery terminal earlier than beginning any work to stop electrical shocks.
- Enable the engine to chill utterly earlier than engaged on the distributor to keep away from burns.
- Park the car on a flat, secure floor and interact the parking brake for security.
- Put on security glasses and nitrile gloves to guard towards flying particles and chemical compounds.
- Hold flammable supplies away from the work space, as a spark can ignite them.
- If you’re uncomfortable performing any of those duties, seek the advice of with a professional mechanic for help.
Different Issues:
- Buy a substitute distributor cap and rotor in case you suspect they might even be defective.
- Clear the distributor mounting floor totally to make sure a correct seal.
- Apply a small quantity of dielectric grease to {the electrical} terminals to stop corrosion.
- Observe the torque specs for all bolts and nuts to stop injury or leaks.
[Locate the Distributor]
Finding the distributor in your 1997 Chevy 350 is a simple course of. It is sometimes located on the entrance of the engine, both on the passenger or driver’s facet. To slim down its location:
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Establish the spark plug wires: Observe the spark plug wires from the spark plugs to a central level the place they converge. It is a good indication of the distributor’s place.
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Verify the engine block: Search for a spherical, steel housing with a cap and wires popping out of it. This housing often has the letters “DIST” or “DELCO” inscribed on it.
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Seek the advice of the car’s service guide: For those who’re nonetheless having hassle, check with the precise service guide on your 1997 Chevy 350. It’s going to present detailed directions that can assist you find the distributor precisely.
After getting positioned the distributor, you’ll be able to proceed to disconnect the spark plug wires and different elements to arrange for its elimination.
Mark the Rotor Place
Earlier than disconnecting any wires from the distributor, it is necessary to mark the place of the rotor. This can be sure that the brand new distributor is put in in the identical orientation because the previous one. To mark the rotor place, merely use a bit of tape or a everlasting marker to attract a line from the middle of the distributor cap to the sting of the rotor. This line will function a reference level when putting in the brand new distributor.
If you’re eradicating the distributor to switch it with a brand new one, you have to to mark the place of the distributor physique in relation to the engine block. This can be sure that the brand new distributor is put in in the identical place because the previous one. To mark the distributor physique place, merely use a bit of tape or a everlasting marker to attract a line from the middle of the distributor physique to the sting of the engine block. This line will function a reference level when putting in the brand new distributor.
After getting marked the rotor place and the distributor physique place, you’ll be able to proceed to disconnect the wires from the distributor. Make sure you label every wire in order that you understand which wire goes the place while you reconnect the brand new distributor.
The next desk reveals the steps concerned in marking the rotor place:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Disconnect the unfavourable battery terminal. |
| 2 | Take away the distributor cap. |
| 3 | Use a bit of tape or a everlasting marker to attract a line from the middle of the distributor cap to the sting of the rotor. |
| 4 | Take away the distributor physique. |
| 5 | Use a bit of tape or a everlasting marker to attract a line from the middle of the distributor physique to the sting of the engine block. |
| 6 | Reconnect the unfavourable battery terminal. |
Take away the Distributor Cap
Earlier than you’ll be able to change the distributor, you have to take away the distributor cap. To do that, comply with these steps:
- Find the distributor cap on the highest of the engine. It’s often black or purple and has a spherical form.
- Seize the distributor cap and pull it straight up. It could be a bit stiff, however it ought to come off simply.
- As soon as the distributor cap is eliminated, you will notice the rotor and the distributor terminals.
- Examine the within of the distributor cap for any indicators of damage or injury. If the cap is cracked or broken, it’s going to have to be changed.
Extract the Rotor
Extracting the rotor requires just a few cautious steps. Observe these directions to efficiently take away the rotor:
- Mark the Distributor Place: Earlier than eradicating the rotor, use a marking instrument or paint to create a reference mark on the distributor housing and the rotor. This mark will assist you make sure that the rotor is put in again within the appropriate alignment throughout reassembly.
- Disconnect the Battery: As a security precaution, disconnect the unfavourable terminal of the battery earlier than engaged on the distributor.
- Find the Rotor Retaining Screw: Beneath the rotor, one can find a small screw that secures it to the distributor shaft. Find this screw and loosen it utilizing a Phillips head screwdriver.
- Gently Elevate the Rotor: As soon as the screw is loosened, gently raise the rotor straight up and off the distributor shaft. Keep away from pulling or prying on the rotor, as it may possibly injury the interior elements.
- Examine the Rotor and Shaft: Examine each the rotor and the distributor shaft for put on or injury. If the rotor is excessively worn or cracked, change it with a brand new one. Equally, examine the shaft for any pitting or extreme put on.
| Mark Distributor Place |
|---|
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Pull Out the Distributor
Earlier than making an attempt to take away the distributor, disconnect the unfavourable terminal of your battery to make sure security. As soon as disconnected, comply with these steps to drag out the distributor:
- Take away the distributor cap by gently prying it upwards.
- Find the rotor contained in the distributor and rotate the engine crankshaft till the rotor factors to the primary cylinder’s place. This may be discovered on the distributor housing.
- Disconnect the vacuum line from the distributor physique.
- Unplug {the electrical} connections resulting in the distributor, listening to their unique positions for reassembly.
- Loosen the hold-down bolt on the distributor utilizing a socket wrench.
- Grip the distributor physique firmly and pull it straight upwards, guaranteeing that the distributor rotor doesn’t come into contact with the cylinder head throughout elimination. Bear in mind that the distributor will be barely caught, so wiggle it gently if essential to loosen it.
Extra Notes for Step 6: Eradicating the Distributor
- When pulling the distributor, keep away from touching the ignition coil contacts or the distributor gear together with your arms, as this will contaminate the surfaces and have an effect on efficiency. Gloves can be utilized for cover.
- If the distributor is especially cussed and doesn’t come out simply, attempt utilizing a penetrating lubricant equivalent to WD-40 on the hold-down bolt and ready for it to penetrate earlier than making an attempt to take away the distributor once more.
- Be cautious to not drop the distributor whereas eradicating it, as it may be broken if it falls.
Insert the New Distributor
Now that the previous distributor has been eliminated, it is time to insert the brand new one. Here is easy methods to do it:
1. Align the Drive Gear
Rotate the oil pump drive shaft till the rotor factors in direction of the primary spark plug wire terminal on the distributor cap. This can be sure that the drive gear is within the appropriate place.
2. Place the Distributor
Rigorously place the brand new distributor over the oil pump drive shaft, ensuring that the drive gear engages with the shaft. Gently slide the distributor into place.
3. Safe the Clamp
Find the clamp that holds the distributor in place. Tighten the clamp to safe the distributor, however don’t overtighten it.
4. Set up the Ignition Module
In case your new distributor doesn’t include a pre-installed ignition module, you have to to put in it now. Align the module with the corresponding holes on the distributor and safe it with screws.
5. Join the Wiring
Reattach the spark plug wires to the distributor cap, guaranteeing that they’re related to the proper terminals. Additionally, reconnect the coil wire and different wiring as needed.
6. Set up the Distributor Cap
Place the distributor cap over the distributor and safe it with screws. Be sure that the cap is correctly aligned and seals tightly.
7. Double-Verify the Connections
Earlier than beginning the engine, totally double-check all {the electrical} connections and be sure that the vacuum advance hose is correctly hooked up. Unfastened or incorrect connections could cause issues with engine efficiency.
Safe the Distributor
As soon as the distributor is correctly seated, it is essential to safe it tightly. It is a important step that ensures the distributor stays in place and features accurately whereas the engine is operating.
Step 1: Insert Bolt: Find the bolt that secures the distributor to the engine block. It is sometimes a 10mm or 13mm bolt.
Step 2: Tighten Bolt: Use a wrench to tighten the bolt snugly. Don’t overtighten it, as this will injury the threads or the distributor itself.
Step 3: Distributor Cap: Align the distributor cap with the distributor physique and press it down firmly. Guarantee it’s totally seated and locked in place.
Step 4: Reconnect Wires: Join the spark plug wires to the distributor cap, guaranteeing every wire is accurately plugged into the corresponding spark plug terminal.
Step 5: Restart Engine: With all connections secured, begin the engine to confirm its correct operation. The engine ought to run easily and with none misfires or hesitation.
To make sure the distributor is securely mounted, seek the advice of the car’s service guide for the beneficial torque specs for the distributor hold-down bolt. This can present exact steerage on how tightly the bolt ought to be tightened.
| Torque Worth | Bolt Dimension |
|---|---|
| 20-25 ft-lbs | 10mm |
| 30-35 ft-lbs | 13mm |
Set up the Distributor Cap
With the rotor put in, align the distributor cap with the rotor and the bottom. Insert the cap over the rotor and switch it clockwise till it clicks into place. Ensure the cap is seated accurately and all of the spark plug wires are related.
Set the Timing
As soon as the distributor is put in, you have to set the timing. This ensures that the spark is delivered on the appropriate time in relation to the piston’s place. Consult with your car’s restore guide for particular directions on easy methods to set the timing. It’s going to contain connecting a timing gentle to the engine and adjusting the distributor till the timing mark on the engine aligns with the mark on the timing gentle.
Tighten the Distributor Maintain-Down Bolt
As soon as the timing is ready, tighten the distributor hold-down bolt to the desired torque. This can safe the distributor in place and stop it from transferring.
Reinstall the Ignition Coil
For those who eliminated the ignition coil earlier, reinstall it onto the distributor. Safe it with the bolts or screws supplied.
Join the Battery
Reattach the unfavourable battery cable to the battery terminal. This can restore energy to the engine and ignition system.
Begin the Engine
Begin the engine and permit it to run for a couple of minutes. Verify for any leaks or different points. If every thing is working correctly, the engine ought to run easily and with none issues.
Change the Distributor Cap
Now that the distributor is out of the car, it is time to change the cap. The cap is what homes the rotor and contacts, and it’s what makes {the electrical} connection to the spark plugs, so it is necessary that it is in good situation.
To interchange the cap, merely unbolt the previous one and bolt on the brand new one. Be sure that the cap is aligned correctly earlier than you tighten the bolts, and that the rotor is within the appropriate place while you set up it on the distributor shaft.
As soon as the cap is changed, you’ll be able to put the distributor again into the car.
Eradicating the Previous Distributor Cap
- Find the distributor cap on the highest of the distributor.
- Pull the distributor cap straight as much as take away it from the distributor.
- Examine the distributor cap for any indicators of harm or put on.
Putting in the New Distributor Cap
- Place the brand new distributor cap on the highest of the distributor.
- Push down on the distributor cap till it snaps into place.
- Align the distributor cap with the marks on the distributor housing.
- Tighten the distributor cap bolts to 10-15 ft-lbs.
- Verify the distributor cap for correct match and operation.
| Distributor Cap Bolt Torque Specs | |
|---|---|
| Bolt Dimension | Torque |
| M6 | 10-15 ft-lbs |
How To Change A Distributor On A 1997 Chevy 350
Changing a distributor on a 1997 Chevy 350 is a comparatively easy activity that may be accomplished in about an hour. Listed here are the steps concerned:
- Disconnect the unfavourable battery terminal.
- Find the distributor cap and take away the bolts that maintain it in place.
- Elevate the distributor cap off of the distributor.
- Mark the place of the rotor on the distributor shaft.
- Take away the bolt that holds the distributor in place.
- Rigorously raise the distributor out of the engine.
- Set up the brand new distributor into the engine, ensuring that the rotor is aligned with the mark you made earlier.
- Tighten the bolt that holds the distributor in place.
- Set up the distributor cap and tighten the bolts that maintain it in place.
- Reconnect the unfavourable battery terminal.
- Begin the engine and examine for any leaks or issues.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How do I do know if my distributor is unhealthy?
There are just a few indicators which will point out that your distributor is unhealthy. These embody:
- Engine misfires
- Engine hesitation
- Lack of energy
- Engine stalling
How a lot does it price to switch a distributor?
The price of changing a distributor will fluctuate relying on the make and mannequin of your car, in addition to the labor charges of your mechanic. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to anticipate to pay between $200 and $500 for components and labor.
Can I change a distributor myself?
Sure, it’s doable to switch a distributor your self. Nevertheless, it is a job that’s greatest left to a professional mechanic if you’re not snug working in your car.
