Chapter 1 Tune-up and routine maintenance
BROKEN TOWER
INSUFFICIENT
CAR&N TRACK
CHAR,RED OR ERODED TERMINALS
CARBON TRACK
WOkiN OR DAMAGED
ROTOR EJIJTTON
43.11 Shown here are some of the common defects to look for
when inspecting the distributor cap (if in doubt about its
condition, install a new one)
begins to cross-thread in the hole- this will prevent damaged threads and
the accompanying repair costs.
11 Before pushing the spark plug wire onto the end of the plug, inspect it
following the procedures outlined in Section 43.
12 Attach the plug wire to the new spark plug, again using a twisting mo-
tion on the boot until its seated on the spark plug.
13 Repeat the procedure for the remaining spark plugs, replacing them
one at a time to prevent mixing up the spark plug wires.
43 Spark plug wire, distributor cap and rotor check
and replacement
Refer to illustrations 43.11 and 43.12
1 The spark plug wires should be checked whenever new spark plugs
are installed.
2 Begin this procedure by making a visual check of the spark plug wires
while the engine is running. In a darkened garage (make sure there is ven-
tilation) start the engine and observe each plug wire. Be careful not to
come into contact with any moving engine parts. If there is a break in the
wire, you will see arcing or a small spark at the damaged area. If arcing is
noticed, make a note to obtain new wires, then allow the engine to cool and
check the distributor cap and rotor,
3 The spark plug wires should be inspected one at a time to prevent
mixing up the order, which is essential for proper engine operation. Each
original plug wire should be numbered to help identify its location. If the
number is illegible, a piece of tape can be marked with the correct number
and wrapped around the plug wire.
4 Disconnect the plug wire from the spark plug. A removal tool can be
usedforthispurposeoryoucangrasptherubberboot, twistthe boot halfa
turn and pull the boot free. Do not pull on the wire itself (see illustra-
tion 42.6).
RbTOR
TIP
CORRODED
\EVIOENCE OF
PHYSICAL CONTACT
WITH CAP
43.12 The ignition rotor should be checked for wear and
corrosion as indicated here (if in doubt about its condition,
buy a new one)
5 Check inside the boot for corrosion, which will look like a white crusty
powder.
6 Pushthewireandbootbackontotheendofthesparkplug.Itshouldfit
tightly onto the end of the plug. If it doesn’t, remove the wire and use pliers
to carefully crimp the metal connector inside the wire boot until the fit is
snug.
7 Using a clean rag, wrpe the entire length of the wire to remove built-up
dirt and grease. Once the wire is clean, check for burns, cracks and other
damage. Do not bend the wire sharply, because the conductor within the
wire might break.
8 Disconnect the wire from the distributor. Again, pull onlyon the rubber
boot.Checkforcorrosronandatrghtfit. Pressthewire backintothedistrib-
utor.
9 Inspect the remanning spark plug wires, making sure that each one is
securely fastened at the distributor and spark plug when the check is com-
plete.
10 If new spark plug wires are required, purchase a set for your specific_
engine model. Precut wire sets with the boots already installed are avail-
able. Remove and replace the wires one at a time to avoid mix-ups in the-
firing order.
11 Detach the distributor cap by prying off the two cap retaining ckps or
removing the two screws. Look inside it for cracks, carbon tracks and
worn, burned or loose contacts (see illustration).
12 Remove the rotor from the distributor shaft.,On some models there is
a screw on the side of the rotor that must be removed. On other models,
simply pull the rotor off the shaft. Examine the rotor for cracks and carbon
tracks (see illustration). Replace the cap and rotor if any damage or de-
fects are noted.
13 It is common practice to rnstall a new cap and rotor whenever new
spark plug wires are installed, but if you wish to continue using the-old cap,
clean the terminals first.
14 When Installing a new cap, remove the wires from the old cap one at a
time and attach them to the new cap in the exact same location -do not
simultaneously remove all the wires from the old cap or firing order mix-
ups may occur.
44 Ignition tlming check and adjustment
Refer to illustrations 44 7, 44&a, 44.6b, 44.7and 44.10
Note: If the mformation in this Section differs from the Vehicle Emission
Control Information label in the engine compartment, the information on
the label should be considered correct.
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