I've been working at replacing the valve cover and push rid cover on 89 4.9l. When I got to the push rod cover I decided to pull the distributor because the whole side of the engine there is caked in oil and dirt and I am trying to get as much of it cleaned off as possible. However, in my haste, I forgot to mark it before I pulled it. Am I screwed now? Did I just make a ton more work for myself? Also, I didn't take it apart, but as I was scrubbing it down I noticed that the hex shaft at the bottom wiggles. Is this normal or is it suppose to be solid? Also, should I take it apart for any reason; see if anything needs replace etc? Thanks in advance!

 

Your not screwed... you have to put #1 cylinder at the top of its compression stroke (tdc) then reinsert the dizzy so when it ins final position the rotor points towards the contact for the #1 sparkplug wire. The hex shaft you refer to goes to the oil pump, it will comeout if you pull it hard enough. The play you see in the shaft is normal. You want to make sure it is fully engaged in the pump when you reassemble otherwise bad things will happen to your engine.

 

Ok cool. Is there anywhere where this procedure is covered in more detail? Not exactly sure to do what you are saying. Also, the only way it will seat correctly all the way is if that hex shaft is engaged correct? Is there anything on it I should take apart to clean/grease or anything?

 

I wrote up a nice long post last night but it didn't post. Basically that's what you need to do. If you need an in depth explanation you should pick up a Hayes manual. It walks you through most procedures step by step. I buy one for every vehicle I own old or new as soon as I get it.

 

Man,, I hate it when that happens, I've gotten to the point where if its going to be a long post I write it in word, then copy and paste.

 

Lol good idea, but I was on my phone. Even worse.

 

I think most of us learned the hard way on this one. It will teach him alot in the long run.