Please help: how to remove distributor

[CamryX]

96 Camry LE 4cyd, 5SFE. See image for dist.

As oil leak, I am going to replace dist o-ring. According to Haynes and web posts, it should be easy. I followed steps to remove dist cap first then one 12mm screw on dist. I just found only one screw to hold dist. I tried very hard to take dist out but no luck. What is right way to remove dist? Do I have to remove head cover for dist o-ring replacement? Any input would be appreciated.

[RichieRichJP]

Originally Posted by CamryX

96 Camry LE 4cyd, 5SFE. See image for dist.

As oil leak, I am going to replace dist o-ring. According to Haynes and web posts, it should be easy. I followed steps to remove dist cap first then one 12mm screw on dist. I just found only one screw to hold dist. I tried very hard to take dist out but no luck. What is right way to remove dist? Do I have to remove head cover for dist o-ring replacement? Any input would be appreciated.

Uh, there are two bolts... Look harder

[Yuko]

Here's the location of the two bolts that holds the distributor. Picture from Skiermang.



Mark where the rotor points before pulling and clean the area. Then replace the O-ring on the distributor, oil it up, and slide it back in.

[CamryX]

Thanks for replies. I double-checked and mine has no 2nd screw at 6-clock position (white arrow in img). Some forum posts do mention there is one on dist. I'd like to be sure dist could be taken out without removing head cover.

[agni]

Yours is just like my '96 - just that one 12mm bolt holds the distributor housing in place. There is no need to remove the cylinder head cover. It should just slide out, but dried-up oil sludge makes the distributor stick to the cylinder head. I usually have to wiggle mine back and forth a great deal before it will break loose. Try prying with your screwdriver from all sides.

EDIT: also unplug that connector (camshaft position sensor) so you don't damage it while manhandling the dist.

[bolink654]

Doubt this is your case...

But sometimes distributors can stick... BAD. Come across a 1956 Chevy 4door hardtop that had a 6cyl in it that had been rebuild but never any oil poured in, and then sat for 15-20 years. Also... the valve covers were left off and mice had made themselves a home.

Anywho I don't remember details, but I know we broke the dizzy housing and eventually had to pry it enough to shear the pin holding the gear onto to the bottom or something like that. It came out in many pieces.

Though I guess with these 4cyl with the overhead cams and the dizzy mounted sideways, you can get at alot more of it if ya need to.

[CamryX]

Yes, angi is right. I got it out by prying it with two screwdrivers from left/right sides. But now I doubt new o-ring may not stop oil leak because oil leaked from o-ring can't get in dist cap. It's cap where I found remaining oil which should come from center shaft. I think this is why someone complained oil in dist cap after changing o-ring (Oil in distributor cap). Probably I have to order dist seal kit and replace all seals in dist.

[agni]

Originally Posted by CamryX

Yes, angi is right. I got it out by prying it with two screwdrivers from left/right sides. But now I doubt new o-ring may not stop oil leak because oil leaked from o-ring can't get in dist cap. It's cap where I found remaining oil which should come from center shaft. I think this is why someone complained oil in dist cap after changing o-ring (Oil in distributor cap). Probably I have to order dist seal kit and replace all seals in dist.

Yep, sounds like the rotary seal that goes around the dist. shaft. You cant get them from the dealer or any of the auto parts stores that I know of. I posted the link to kbox in that thread and I believe they still sell those kits. Also, I recently found a better guide to doing the rebuild, w/ lots of pictures here.

Or if you're not keen on doing the rebuild, you could just go pick through a junk yard and find one with no oil on the inside

[CamryX]

Thanks for the dist rebuild link. My camry was manufactured on 9/96 and dist looks a little different from the picture in the link. I have taken apart dist and ordered seal kit from twosrus.com. I think the rotary seal is crucial for stopping oil leak from dist.