I have a 1996 F150 6 cyl. 4.9 with a ignition problem. I posted another thread about and changed out a few things, ignition module, distributor cap, rotor, and coil but I need help with the distributor. I think replacing it will finally fix my stalling problem. Is there a special tool to remove it and should I be concerned about timing when I put the new one in. Actually I was going to replace the pickup coil assembly but that requires removal of the distributor and gear anyway. I would appreciate any advice on this. Thanks in advance.

 

Just undo the bolt and pull it out. Before you do this, take the cap off, and put a piece of masking tape all the way around the aluminum base where the cap sits.

Eye ball the rotor as close as you can, and put a pen mark on the masking tape right under the rotor. That marks where the rotor is.

Now you need to mark where the base is. Find something convienent and stationary, like a bracket or a bolt head or something on the engine. What you will do is measure from this stationary object, to the base of the dist. Make another mark on the masking tape and write down the measurement from this mark to the stationary object.

Then, pull the dist straight up, and be careful not to move the rotor. The rotor will turn as it comes out. After you get it out, eyeball the rotor again, and make another mark. So you will have two marks for the rotor, and one for the distance to the stationary object on the engine.

This sounds like a lot of trouble, but if you do all this marking, and do not move the motor when you have the dist out, it will go back in with no trouble. Move the rotor to the last mark after the dist was out. It should move to the first mark you made when the gear naturally twists down into the camshaft. If the base measurement is the same, and the rotor lines up to the mark, you know you are back in time.

 

Thank you Franklin2, It sounds easy enough. I've replaced the distributor on my '69 mustang and wasn't sure on the '96 300. I can do this then. Thanks again.