Distributor replacement

[Roler]

Looks ( sounds) like I will need to replace my distributor soon. Tjirping and now whining sounds coming from it.
1997 XJ post update.
Any pitfalls, tricks, advice?
Cheers.

[Classic Boy]

Check Utube as I'm sure there will be a vid of someone doing it.

[rustynuts]

I saw new ones in oz for sale on fleabay last week for $179. The trick to install them is to mark the housing to the block. Then mark the rotor arm position to the dizzy body. As you pull it out the gear drive will turn. As it releases from the gears, mark it again. Mark the new one identical to the marks and install in reverse. That will get you close. Tweeking may be required with a timing light.
I hope this helps.

[Roler]

Thanks so far.
I've looked YouTube's but was wondering about the cylinder 1 thing having to be topdeadcentre and timing markings etc.? Or is that pre-updates?

[rustynuts]

Always best to start to do the job on TDC. You need to be on the compression stroke as TDC can be on the exhaust stroke too. I put my finger in the spark plug hole as I turn the engine. You will know when you are on compression and are approaching the timing marks. Also at that point, the rotor arm should be pointing to No. 1
If done that way all should be good if the new dizzy"s rotor arm ends up pointed the same.

[OKA4wd]

I ordered one of them ebay types couple of days ago (arrives this week), when I put a temp used one in I did as already mentioned got number 1 cyl tdc compression stroke removed old one & looking from the side made sure oil pump slot was at 11 oclock, put a pin punch thru the plastic plate & the hole in the dissy body to lock it in position, then dropped in the replacement with the lock down fork pointing to 1 oclock as it turns on the gear it should bottom out with the fork lined up with the bolt hole in the block & the rotor pointing to 5 oclock. BUT is there supposed to be a gasket between the block & dissy base, I didnt have one come off but they are mentioned to be replaced or is it the rubber o ring already in the dissy????? I have not tried to start this yet but it did go together as per I was instructed.

[Roler]

I read about a gasket somewhere too but on the Youtubes its not mentioned, nor does it seem to come with the new distributor but needs to be ordered separately.

(Rockauto.com appears to sell it separate, suggesting its a separate item all together)

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/j...ng+gasket,7148