distributor position - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

tarbasd · 02-02-2008, 06:07 PM

Hi,

I am in the process of cleaning out my EGR system (CEL 71), but my question is not about that. I had to remove the distributor to gain access to the bottom of the EGR pipe. I made a note on the outside of the distributor and the engine to mark their relative position, but I forgot to look at where the rotor was and now it has definitely turned.

So now I don't really know how to put it back. My question: are the following statements correct?

1. There are only two possible positions for the rotor. The distributor shaft has to fit to the camshaft and there is only two ways it can fit: they differ by 180 degrees. So just by guessing, I have 50% chance to get it right.

2. If I don't get it right, then the sparks will be 180 degrees off, so the car will definitely not start. Then I will know I have to turn it by 180 degrees.

3. Looking at the camshaft, I think the rotor should point to either the #1 or the #4 post (on the distributor cap). If the rotor points to the #1 post, then the #1 cylinder should be close to its top dead center, so the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley should be close to the 0 mark. I looked at the timing marks and I don't see the mark on the crankshaft pulley. So the rotor must point to the #4 post.

4. If 1-3 are wrong, what is the simplest way to find the correct rotor position? My guess would be locating the TDC in the #1 cylinder by pulling the plug and checking the highest position of the piston with a rod.

Thanks a bunch,

95PimpingCamry · 02-02-2008, 06:33 PM

The slots in the shaft are not perfectly in the center. Look closely and you will see that they are slightly off to one side, making possible to put it back in only one way. Take a close look and you will see what I mean.

tarbasd · 02-03-2008, 07:26 AM

Yes, it's not completely symmetric, but I haven't realized that this will prevent me from inserting it in the wrong way. Thanks!