How to Install a Distributor in a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado V6
by Russell WoodThe distributor on the V6 engine installed in some 2002 Chevrolet Silverados is responsible for controlling sending spark to each spark plug through the ignition wires. If the distributor fails, then the cylinders won't receive the spark necessary for the internal combustion process, and the truck won't run. To fix the issue, the distributor needs to be removed from the engine, and replaced with a new one. This should take about an hour.
Step 1
Pop the hood. Position your assistant in the driver's seat with the key in the ignition, but with the engine turned off. Shine the flashlight down onto the crankshaft pulley on the bottom of the engine and locate the timing marks on the pulley and the engine. Have your assistant quickly turn the truck on and then off to "bump" the engine over until the timing mark on the pulley and the 0 degree timing mark on the engine line up.
Step 2
Unbolt the intake tubing from the throttle body using the flathead screwdriver. Unplug the electrical harness leading to the distributor by hand. Remove the distributor cap from the engine with the wiring connected using the Phillips screwdriver, then lift it off the distributor.
Step 3
Mark a line across the distributor and the intake manifold with the paint marker so that you can align the new distributor to the engine. Make sure the line is underneath the rotor so that you can keep things aligned properly.
Step 4
Unbolt the distributor from the engine using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lift the distributor out of the engine bay. Transfer the mark from the original distributor to the replacement using the paint marker.
Step 5
Slide the distributor into the distributor hole so that the mark on the distributor is about 42 degrees counterclockwise to the original mark. Use the protractor to ensure that there are approximately 42 degrees between the two marks. Push the distributor into the engine. As the distributor goes into the engine, it will rotate, aligning the two marks. If the two marks don't align, pull out the distributor, reposition as necessary, and reinstall. Bolt the distributor in place with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
Step 6
Install the distributor cap onto the distributor with the Phillips screwdriver. Reinstall the wiring harness to the distributor by hand and then reinstall the intake tubing with the flathead screwdriver.
References
- "Chilton General Motors Full-Size Trucks 1999-06 Repair Manual"; Jeff Kibler; 2007
Things You'll Need
- Flashlight
- Assistant
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set
- Protractor
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
