How to Install a Distributor on a GMC Savana Van
by Daniel ValladaresThe distributor of your GMC Savana van is the device that routes the high-voltage spark from the engine's ignition coil to the spark plugs to ignite the internal combustion engine. A faulty distributor will mean that your vehicle will not start. Replacing your Savana's distributor is fairly simple, but you have to install the new distributor in the exact position that the old distributor was in, with all of the wires in the same order.
Step 1
Open the Savana's hood and use a socket wrench to unplug the negative cable from the battery.
Step 2
Use the sticky notes to label each spark plug connection and coil lead in the order that it was connected to the distributor. Disconnect all of them from the distributor. Disconnect the electrical wiring harness at the bottom of the distributor as well.
Step 3
Loosen the cap screws and remove the distributor cap. Using a marker, mark the rotor-to-housing and housing-to-engine block positions so that they can be matched during installation. The position of the distributor is very important.
Step 4
Loosen and uninstall the distributor's bolt and clamp and pull it out from the engine.
Step 5
Install the new distributor in the engine, making sure that is properly aligned according to the markings.
Step 6
Install the clamp and bolt and tighten the bolt to 20 ft.-lbs. with a torque wrench.
Step 7
Reattach the distributor cap and its fasteners and reconnect the distributor's electrical wiring harness.
Step 8
Attach the spark plug connections and the coil leads in the correct order and reconnect the negative battery cable. Close the hood.
References
- "Chevrolet Express & GMC Savana Full-Size Van Repair Manual 1996-2005"; Haynes; 2006
Things You'll Need
- Socket wrench
- Sticky notes
- Philips head screwdriver
- Marker
- Torque wrench
Writer Bio
Daniel Valladares began his career as a medical writer in 2008. He has written patient education brochures for several pharmaceutical companies and has worked as an auto mechanic at Kim's Speedy Auto Service since 2007. Valladares holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rice University and is currently studying to become a personal trainer.
