How to remove distributor on 94 camry?

[borisp@gmail.com]

Hello,
I have a 1994 cali 4 cyl camry. I wanted to take out the distributor to replace the distributor o-ring, but I can't figure out how to remove the distributor. I completely took out the bolt that prevents the distributor from rotating, and could rotate the distributor very easily, but it wouldn't come out. I can't see anything else holding it, but as hard as I pull on it it doesn't come out of the head. Is there something holding it under the valve cover? Please help, I am compeltely puzzled. Also, mine is a round distributor, not the recrangular one found on many that I've seen in pictures. I think it may be different on a cali vs. non-cali car, but not sure.

Thanks.

[Stillrunning]

There's a second bolt hidden under the dist. housing on the other side opposite the bolt you took out.

[borisp@gmail.com]

Thanks for your replay. I can't see another bolt though. Also, if there is another one, what does it attach to? When I loosen the first bolt, the distributor rotates freely. There is a connector on the other side of the distributor, so perhaps the bolt is somewhere underneath it, otherwise I can't see it.

[angel_rolla]

take the valve cover off

[96paseo]

Originally Posted by borisp@gmail.com

Thanks for your replay. I can't see another bolt though. Also, if there is another one, what does it attach to? When I loosen the first bolt, the distributor rotates freely. There is a connector on the other side of the distributor, so perhaps the bolt is somewhere underneath it, otherwise I can't see it.

The other bolt is hard to see with the intake pipe in the way. You can remove the intake pipe along with the upper half of the air filter box to get some working room to remove the bolt. This will also give you some space to get the distributor out.

[gtturbo93]

2 bolts, one at 9 o'clock and one at 6 o'clock.

[marshalljarreau]

I have been having the same problem. What did you do to fix it?

I read the manual and did everything it said: Disconnected the negative battery cable, removed the air hose, disconnected the distributor connectors and the high-tension cords from the spark plugs.

I removed TWO bolts form the housing, one from the left side and one from underneath. But I could not pull it out!

I took the cap and rotor off as I am replacing the hole thing. The distributor housing rotates slightly from left to right, but the shaft in the middle stays put and goes nowhere.

Did I miss something small yet enormously important??

Please help.

[geezee]

I realize this is an old thread. C'mon you all post COMPLETE replies, two bolts are NOT all that holds the Camry dizzy onto the engine. The poster is asking how to remove, not rotate, the dizzy. Big diff..... Help a DIY'er out a bit, huh ? I have done this 3X now, and I do think it requires removal of the Valve Cover (A HORRIBLE design, thanks Toyota wingnuts!) to 'unlock' the Dizzy from the engine. Yes, it can rotate with the two bolts removed (or loosened), it will not come out, however...

[RichieRichJP]

No you don't have to remove the valve cover.
I completed this about 3 months ago without removing it.

[csaxon]

gezee, I don't lknow what brought on your tirade on a 2009 thread, but you don't need to remove the valve cover. Happy New Year!