How to Replace the Distributor in a Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is an icon for the Ford company, the classic American muscle car. Up to 1998, the Mustang had distributors, so if you have a 2.3L from the early 1990s, a 3.8L from 1993 to 1998, a 4.6L from 1995 to 1998 or a 5.0L or 5.8L from 1993 to 1995, your vehicle has one. Here's how to replace it, and you may need just one special tool.

Instructions

1

Look for the distributor on the engine block by tracing the spark plug wires to it. The distributor is very easy to spot, as it's on top and dead center as you face the engine compartment. Using a long-handled ratchet (breaker bar) on the crankshaft bolt on the pulley near the bottom of the engine, rotate the engine until the No. 1 piston is on the Top Dead Center (TDC) mark.

2

Unhook the negative cable from the battery at the right front of the engine, as you're facing it. Unbolt the vehicle wiring harness connector from the distributor with a wrench. Mark the No. 1 wire tower's position on the cap for reference.

3

Loosen the distributor cap hold-down screws, then take off the cap. Use a marker to locate the position of the rotor to the distributor housing. Move the cap and wires out of the way. Make another mark on the distributor body and the engine block to show the distributor position in the engine. These marks will help when putting parts back together.

4

Unbolt the distributor hold-down bolt and clamp. Some engines may have a security hold-down bolt. If so, you will need to use distributor wrench T82L-12270-A or its equivalent.

5

Lift the distributor from the engine block; don't rotate the engine while the distributor is removed. Any movement, and you will have to realign engine parts.

6

Prepare to install your new Mustang distributor by rotating the distributor shaft, making the rotor point toward the mark on the distributor housing. Use 83522N from Parts Train for the distributor. At other manufacturers or parts stores, the number will differ. Know your engine size and model year.

7

Rotate the rotor a little; the leading edge of the vane must be in the center of the vane switch stator assembly. Also rotate the distributor in the engine block to line up the leading edge of the vane with the vane switch stator assembly. The rotor must point to the No. 1 mark on the distributor base.

8

Replace the distributor hold-down clamp and bolt or bolts, depending on your engine model, and tighten. Reattach the vehicle wiring harness connector on the distributor and put the distributor cap and wires back. Tighten the hold-down clamp.