The pick-up coil in your Ford 302 provides a trigger signal for the ignition system that the ignition module uses to fire the ignition coil. As the teeth of the wheel on the distributor's shaft pass the metal core of the pick-up coil, the magnetic field collapses and a voltage is induced in the pick-up coil's windings. This signal is processed by the ignition module and voltage to the primary side of the coil is switched off. This causes a spark to be carried to the distributor and the individual spark plugs.
When installing a Chevy 5.7 distributor, the engine must be at top dead center, or else the engine's timing will be off and it will not run. You should also replace the gasket between the base of the distributor and the intake manifold. How to Replace A Distributor Without Going Crazy What might seem like a trivial task to most hobbyists, removing and replacing (or reinstalling) a distributor can easily degenerate into a time-consuming, frustrating job that can result in great difficulty in getting an engine running properly.
Step 1
Unclip the distributor cap from the top of the distributor on the front of the intake manifold. Bump the engine (momentarily turn the ignition key to start and then back to run) until the rotor on top of the distributor is pointed at the center of the intake manifold. Lift the rotor off the distributor shaft. Unplug the ignition module's electrical connector.
Identifying Distributors On Ford 351 Engines Ford vehicles with Windsor/Cleveland 351 (5.8L) cubic inch engines. Interchanging or installing parts for the wrong engine. Lack of information on Ford 351 engine differences. Engine Differences: The most obvious external difference is the engine valve covers. I did intake manifold gaskets and so had to remove the distributor and am not able to correctly re-install it. I put the # 1 cylinder on ( what I believe to be) TDC.Determined by use of a probe moving up to the top and the begining to go back down. I then installed the distributor with the rotor pointing at the # 1 cylinder mark. DISTRIBUTOR GEAR INSTALLATION The following information covers the installation of a new distributor gear onto an existing distributor. When replacing the distributor gear, it is. After STEP 7, install distributor assembly in the block you are using. Timing chain set and camshaft must be removed.
Step 2
Make a mark on the intake manifold with the paint pen that indicates where the rotor is pointing. This will simplify re-installation of the distributor. Make another mark on the distributor base and the manifold to indicate the position of the distributor in the engine.
Step 3
Remove the distributor hold-down bolt and bracket at the base of the distributor using a 13 mm or 1/2-inch (depending on year model) distributor wrench. Pull the distributor straight up, out of the engine, until it is clear of the manifold. Place the distributor on a work surface.
Step 4
Remove the armature from the top of the distributor shaft using a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the two screws that attach it to the shaft. Drive out the roll pin that secures the distributor drive gear to the bottom of the distributor shaft using a hammer and roll pin punch. Slide the gear off the shaft and pull the shaft from the distributor.
Step 5
Unbolt the electrical connector of the pick-up coil from the distributor housing using a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the retaining bolt and unplugging it from the ignition module. Remove the pick-up coil from the distributor by using a pick or snap-ring pliers to remove the retaining clip on top of the pick-up coil and lifting the coil out of the housing.
Step 6
Slide the new pick-up coil onto the housing and re-install the retaining clip. Plug the electrical connector into the module and bolt it to the housing. Reinstall the shaft into the housing. Install the drive gear onto the shaft and secure it in place with a new roll pin. Use the roll pin punch and a hammer to drive the pin into place. Reinstall the armature and rotor.
Step 7
Reinstall the distributor, taking care to line up the rotor and distributor housing alignment marks made in Step 2. Secure the distributor in the engine using the hold-down bracket and bolt using the distributor wrench to tighten the bolt snugly.
Start the engine. Rotate the distributor until the idle speed stabilizes and the engine runs as smoothly as possible. Reset the ignition timing according to the instructions in the service manual for the model and year of your Mustang.
Warning
Wear safety glasses and work gloves when working around a running engine to prevent serious injuries.
Items you will need
Service manual
Distributor wrench
Paint pen
Roll pin punch
Nut driver set
Hammer
Wood dowel
Spray Parts cleaner
Timing light
Ford F150 302 Distributor Install
'Chilton 1994-98 Ford Mustang Repair Manual'; George B. Heinrich III; 1997