How to Replace the Distributor in a Ford F-Series

The Ford F-Series trucks have a variety of engines--electronic ignition, carbureted and fuel-injected. If you have an F-Series truck from 1990 to 1998, here are instructions to replace the distributor in both carbureted (Duraspark II) and fuel-injected (TFI-IV) engines. You won't need special tools.

Instructions

Removing Distributors in Fuel-Injected Systems (TFI-IV)

1

Look for the distributor in your F-Series vehicle by tracking the spark plug wires to it. Working space may be cramped. Unscrew with a screwdriver the primary wiring connector from the distributor.

2

Mark the position of the distributor cap's No. 1 terminal on the distributor base to align parts for installation later. Unclip and take off the cap, then the adapter. Also match mark the distributor base and engine for later.

3

Take the distributor rotor out of the compartment. Unplug the TFI connector, which is an electronics-style connector like you would see on audio or computer systems. Unbolt the hold-down bolt and lift out the distributor.

4

Use a long-handled ratchet (breaker bar) to rotate the crankshaft bolt in the pulley near the bottom of the engine so the No. 1 piston is at the Top Dead Center (TDC) mark. This is necessary for parts to be in the proper place when you replace the distributor.

5

Install the rotor on the shaft and rotate the shaft so that the rotor tip points to the No. 1 mark on the distributor base. Continue rotating the shaft so the leading edge of the rotor vane is centered on the vane switch assembly. Coat the brass parts of the rotor with a 1/32 inch (0.8mm) thick coating of silicone dielectric compound.

6

Put the new Ford F-Series distributor in the engine block. Get the exact part from an auto parts store by giving the model, year and engine size. Rotate the distributor body to align the leading edge of the vane and vane switch. Install and finger-tighten the hold-down bolt on the distributor.

7

Hook up the TFI connector and primary wiring. Re-install the cap and adapter.

Removing Distributors in Engines With Carburetors

8

Look for the spark plug wires to lead you to the distributor on the engine block. Unbolt and remove the air cleaner assembly to get it out of the way of the distributor, marking the hose locations. Space to work on the distributor may be cramped.

9

Use a screwdriver to disconnect the distributor wiring connector from the wiring harness. Note the vacuum line position on the diaphragm on the side of the distributor and disconnect it.

10

Unsnap the distributor cap retaining clamps and take out the cap, rotor and adapter. While doing so, mark the distributor rotor in relation to the distributor housing and the position of the distributor housing to the engine block. This will help line up parts during installation. The new distributor must be in the exact location to have correct ignition timing.

11

Put in the rotor. Unbolt the distributor hold-down bolt and clamp with a wrench. Take out the distributor.

12

Install your new F-Series distributor. You'll need to give the year, model and engine size when ordering a new distributor because parts numbers differ by manufacturer.

13

Re-install and align the rotor with the mark on the distributor body and the marks on the distributor body and cylinder block. Bolt in the distributor hold-down bolt and clamp finger-tight.

14

Replace the distributor cap and reattach the wires. Connect the distributor wiring connector to the wiring harness. Tighten the hold-down bolt. Install the air cleaner, if you had to remove it.