How do you install a distributor for a 1997 Nissan Altima?

Answer 1

If you are not mechanically inclined or have no experience whatsoever in mechanics, it would be wise to purchase a repair manual for your vehicle to use as a detailed guide. A repair manual retails for $11-$14 at your local auto parts store,or perhaps your local public library may have one available for checkout. A distributor is not hard to change as long as you follow some simple rules: (1) Set number one piston at Top Dead Center (TDC) before starting the job. (2) Make marks on the distributor and the engine so you will be able to match the two marks when re-installing the distributor. (3) DO NOT crank or manually rotate the engine while the distributor is out. The rest of the job is removing nuts or bolt and wires in order to pull the distributor out. NOTE: When pulling out and when re-installing the distributor, you will have to rotate it somewhat - just follow the "feel" as you go. PS: You don't want to forget the order of the plug wires to the distributor - it might be a good idea to tape and mark the wires as you pull them. You also want to observe which direction the rotor is pointing before you remove the distributor (an added precaution).