1994 Ford Taurus Distributor

RSUKOVICH

MEMBER
1994 FORD TAURUS

Engine Mechanical problem
1994 Ford Taurus 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 160K miles

Started this whole thing to replace water pump but couldn't get one of the four main studs out and opted to go the long route to remove the Timing Chain Cover so I can get at the stud. I completed that and am now in the process of putting things back together. I am at the stage of putting the distributor in and it gets to about a quarter of an inch away from being seated and will not go any further unless I tap it (moderately) with a hammer and I can pry it out with a screwdriver. I can't tell if it's resisting at the gear or the bushingh.
a. I marked the damper at the indicator to make sure I am in the same place and did not rotate the engine more than a couple of inches when I was removing the damper but relocated according to the marks.B. I did not remove any gears or oil filter adapter. C. I did replace the gasket (Federal Mogul kit) and that's all I can think of. Do you think the tight fit will work it's way out or is there anything that you can suggest I try

3 Replies

MATHIASO

MECHANIC
1,209 POSTS

Hello rsukovich

Engine may have been Rotated, you might need to follow this installation guide

# Disconnect the spark plug wire from the No. 1 cylinder spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the No. 1 cylinder and press a thumb over the spark plug hole.

# Using a wrench on the crankshaft pulley, rotate the crankshaft until pressure is felt at the spark plug hole, indicating the piston is approaching TDC on the compression stroke. Continue rotating the crankshaft until the crankshaft pulley mark aligns with the timing cover indicator.

# Place the distributor rotor in position so that it aligns with the No. 1 spark plug wire tower on the distributor cap.

# Using engine oil, lubricate the O-ring.

# Install the distributor. Be sure to engage the drive gear or tangs with the camshaft gear or slot. Align the mark that was made on the distributor housing with the mark that was made on the cylinder head. Tighten the distributor hold-down bolt(s).

# Connect the electrical connector(s) and, if equipped, the air intake hose. Install the distributor cap.

# Install the spark plug in the No. 1 cylinder and connect the spark plug wire.

# Connect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and check or adjust the ignition timing.

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Saturday, February 27th, 2010 AT 4:26 PM

RSUKOVICH

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84 POSTS

Apparently, you did not read my whole question thoroughly where I said the engine was not rotated except for an inch or two when I was removing the damper. Even then, I was able to relocate to the original position because I marked the damper before I started the disassembly. I am familiar with the installation procedure that you describe, but feel it is not the one to follow, since the crankshaft was not rotated. The distributor was marked before removal and the position of the rotor was noted as well. There is no tang on my distributor, there is a hex rod that inserts into the oil pump.

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Saturday, February 27th, 2010 AT 8:20 PM

MATHIASO

MECHANIC
1,209 POSTS

Hello rsukovich

you're installing aftermarket part that are good as original on your vehicle.
If the procedure for removal and installation is done correctly, and the part you're installing is the right one there should not be any problem.
Restart the engine after installation.
From there we can find out what may be wrong.
Let me know how things work out.

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Sunday, February 28th, 2010 AT 10:17 AM