### Distributor

#### REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

##### 1993–94 Sentra with 2.0L (SR20DE) Engine

Fig. 1: Distributor mounting and alignment points — 1993–94 Sentra with 2.0L (SR20DE) engine

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Release the retaining clips and lift the distributor cap straight up. It will be easier to install the distributor if the wiring is not disconnected from the cap. If the wires must be removed from the cap, label the wires according to cylinder number to aid in installation and avoid confusion.
3. Disconnect the distributor wiring harness.
4. If equipped, disconnect and label the vacuum lines.
5. Note the position of the rotor in relation to the base. Scribe a mark on the base of the distributor and on the engine block to facilitate reinstallation. Align the marks with the direction the rotor is pointing.
6. Remove the bolt(s) which hold the distributor to the engine.
7. Lift the distributor assembly from the engine.

   NOTE: Once the distributor is removed, do not to disturb the position of the rotor, camshaft or crankshaft.

   To install:

###### Engine Not Disturbed

1. Insert the distributor shaft and assembly into the engine.
2. Align the distributor and engine block matchmarks with the rotor. Make sure the housing is pointed in the same direction as it was pointed originally. This will be done automatically if the marks on the engine and the distributor are lined up with the rotor.
3. Install the distributor hold-down bolt(s) and if equipped, the hold-down clamp. Leave the screw loose enough so the distributor can be moved with moderate hand pressure.
4. If equipped, connect the vacuum lines.
5. Connect the primary wire to the coil.
6. Install the distributor cap on the distributor housing. Secure the distributor cap with the spring clips.
7. Install the spark plug wires if removed. Make sure the wires are pressed all the way into the top of the distributor cap and firmly onto the spark plug.
8. Connect the negative battery cable.
9. Start the engine and set the ignition timing.
10. After setting the ignition timing, tighten the distributor hold-down bolt(s) completely.

###### Engine Disturbed

NOTE: If the crankshaft has been turned or the engine disturbed in any manner (i.e., disassembled and rebuilt) while the distributor was removed or if the marks were not drawn, it will be necessary to initially time the engine. Follow the procedure given below.

1. It is necessary to place the No. 1 cylinder in the firing position to correctly install the distributor. To locate this position, the ignition timing marks on the crankshaft front pulley are used.
2. Remove the No. 1 cylinder spark plug. Turn the crankshaft until the piston in the No. 1 cylinder is moving up on the compression stroke. This can be determined by placing a thumb over the spark plug hole and feeling the air being forced out of the cylinder. Stop turning the crankshaft when the timing marks are aligned.
3. Oil the distributor housing lightly where the distributor mounts to the block.
4. Install the distributor so the rotor, which is mounted on the shaft, points toward the No. 1 spark plug terminal tower position when the cap is installed.

   NOTE: The distributor rotor will be facing the 5 o'clock position with the engine at number one cylinder TDC.

5. When the distributor shaft has reached the bottom of the hole, move the rotor back and forth slightly until the driving lug on the end of the distributor shaft enters the slots cut in the end of the oil pump shaft and the distributor assembly slides down into place.
6. When the distributor is correctly installed, the reluctor teeth should be aligned with the pickup coil. This can be accomplished by rotating the distributor body after it has been installed in the engine. Once again, line up the marks made before the distributor was removed.
7. Install the distributor hold-down bolt(s) and if equipped, the hold-down clamp. Leave the screw loose enough so the distributor can be moved with moderate hand pressure.
8. Install the spark plug into the No. 1 spark plug hole.
9. If equipped, connect the vacuum lines.
10. Connect the primary wire to the coil.
11. Install the distributor cap on the distributor housing. Secure the distributor cap with the spring clips.
12. Install the spark plug wires if removed. Make sure the wires are pressed all the way into the top of the distributor cap and firmly onto the spark plug.
13. Connect the negative battery cable.
14. Start the engine and set the ignition timing.
15. After setting the ignition timing, tighten the distributor hold-down bolt(s) completely.

##### Altima and 240SX with 2.4L (KA24DE), Sentra and 200SX with 1.6L (GA16DE), 2.0L (SR20DE) and 1993–94 Maxima with 3.0L (VG30E) Engines

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Set the engine to TDC. (top dead center) with the number 1 piston on compression stroke
3. Remove and label the distributor spark plug wires from the distributor cap.
4. Remove the distributor cap and scribe a mark on the engine block to show the rotor and distributor position prior to removal.
5. Disconnect and label the wiring connections to the distributor.
6. Remove the bolt(s) holding distributor to engine.
7. Pull the distributor upward to remove from cylinder block.

   NOTE: Do not disturb the camshaft or crankshaft position after the distributor is removed from the engine. If any of these components are moved, TDC on cylinder 1 will have to be found again before reinstalling the distributor.

   To install:

###### Engine Not Disturbed

1. Install a new distributor housing O-ring.
2. Install the distributor in the engine so the rotor is aligned with the matchmark on the housing and the housing is aligned with the matchmark on the engine. Make sure the distributor is fully seated and the distributor gear is fully engaged.
3. Install and snug the hold-down bolt.
4. Connect the distributor pickup lead wires.
5. Install the distributor cap and tighten the screws. Install the splash shield.
6. Install the spark plug wires.
7. Connect the negative battery cable.
8. After the ignition timing has been adjusted, tighten the hold-down bolt(s) to 80–104 inch lbs. (9–11 Nm) for GA16DE and VG30E engines or to 108–144 inch lbs. (13–16 Nm) for SR20DE and the Altima (KA24DE) engines. On the 240SX (KA24DE) engine, tighten to 34–39 inch lbs. (4–5 Nm).

###### Engine Disturbed

1. Install a new distributor housing O-ring.
2. Position the engine so the No. 1 piston is at TDC of its compression stroke and the mark on the vibration damper is aligned with 0 on the timing indicator.
3. Install the distributor in the engine so the rotor is aligned with the position of the No. 1 ignition wire on the distributor cap. Make sure the distributor is fully seated and that the distributor shaft is fully engaged.
4. Install and snug the hold-down bolt.
5. Connect the distributor pickup lead wires.
6. Install the distributor cap and tighten the screws. Install the splash shield, if equipped.
7. Install the spark plug wires.
8. Connect the negative battery cable.
9. After the ignition timing has been adjusted, tighten the hold-down bolt(s) to 80–104 inch lbs. (9–11 Nm) for GA16DE and VG30E engines or to 108–144 inch lbs. (13–16 Nm) for SR20DE and the Altima (KA24DE) engines. On the 240SX (KA24DE) engine, tighten to 34–39 inch lbs. (4–5 Nm).

   Fig. 2: Distributor shaft and housing alignment marks — 1993–94 Maxima with 3.0L (VG30E) engine