Distributor — removal, overhaul and installation (Skoda Favorit)

Removal

1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.

2. Mark the location of the high tension wires, then separate them from the spark plugs. If possible, do not separate the wires from the distributor cap.

3. Disconnect the vacuum tube from the advance unit (see illustration).



4. Release the retaining clips, separate the distributor cap and move it to the side.



5. Slide the rubber cover back from the ignition control unit (attached to the inner panel of the right wing). Note the connection locations, then separate the two low voltage wires from the terminals in the control unit.

6. Set the engine to TDC, cylinder #1 on compression stroke. See Section 2.

7. The distributor can be removed together with the extension tube, or separately. The latter method is preferable when the distributor is to be overhauled.

8. To remove the distributor together with the extension tube, unscrew the two bolts securing the tube flange to the drive cover, then remove the distributor and tube (see illustrations).


9. When removing the distributor and pipe, the runner will rotate when the shaft gear disengages from the helical drive gear on the camshaft. Note the final position of the runner so that you can position it the same way when installing.



10. Before separating the distributor from the pipe, first mark their relative positions. Then loosen the clamp nut and bolt, and remove the distributor (see illustrations).


11. Do not turn the crankshaft without the distributor, nor rotate the distributor shaft.

12. Remove the O-ring from the groove in the distributor; it must be replaced.

Bulkhead

13. Remove the distributor runner.

14. Release the retaining ring and remove the wave spring washer and pulser (see illustrations).



15. Unscrew the mounting screws from the distributor housing. Note the positions of the mounting brackets and special nuts. Remove the screws, take out the nuts, and lift the pulsator winding (see illustrations).





16. Removes the vacuum block (see illustration).





17. Remove the rotating plate (see illustrations).


18. Check the distributor shaft axial clearance. If required, the distributor can be disassembled further as follows.

19. Remove the spring from the distributor drive clutch, then use a marking tool to make alignment marks on the clutch and shaft. It is important that the clutch is installed correctly in relation to the distributor rotor. Release the distributor shaft by pressing out the mounting pin and removing the clutch (see illustration); note the thrust washer.





20. Remove the shaft, noting the thrust washers under the centrifugal timing advance assembly.

21. Clean and lubricate the ignition timing adjuster weights and springs. Replace the springs (if possible).

22. Clean and inspect all components and replace them as necessary. If a large number of parts are worn out, it is better to replace the distributor.

23. Clean and inspect the distributor cap. If there are any cracks or other damage, the cap must be replaced. Use an ohmmeter to check that there is no continuity between the terminal segments in the cap. Likewise, check that there is no continuity between the distributor rotor body and its copper tip; please note that the slider has internal resistance to suppress interference from the car radio.

24. If the distributor extension tube has been removed, inspect it, the shaft and the pinion for signs of wear. Insert a feeler gauge between the base of the bracket and the top of the pinion. Ideally, the shaft end play in the bracket should be 0.10 mm (see Fig. 5.3). Although the shaft and gear can be replaced, it is best to leave this work to a Skoda dealer.





25. Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of removal, paying attention to the following: (see illustrations):

• a) When installing the rotating plate, position it so that the groove is aligned with the protrusion on the inner wall of the distributor housing.
• b) Apply a few drops of oil to the timing assembly pivot pins and springs, shaft surfaces and bearings.
• c) Using the marks made during removal, correctly position the clutch on the end of the shaft (in relation to the distributor runner), then make sure that the spring secures the ends of the pin.
• d) Before connecting the vacuum capsule, lightly lubricate its lever.
• e) Ensure that the mounting plates are correctly positioned as marked during removal.
• f) Replace the O-ring in the groove in the distributor housing and lubricate it with engine oil to facilitate installation.
• g) Install a new gasket on the back side of the extension tube flange (if it was deleted).

Installing the old distributor

26. First, make sure that the piston of cylinder #1 is at TDC. Rotate the distributor shaft to align the tip of the rotor with the notch in the distributor body. If an extension tube is installed on the engine, make sure that the drive lug of the distributor is aligned with the engagement groove on the shaft (see illustration). If the distributor is installed together with the extension tube, place the distributor runner in the pre-installed position as noted during removal.


27. Install the distributor using the marks as a guide. If necessary, slightly rotate the distributor runner to engage the drive lug or gear teeth. Insert the mounting bolts and tighten them to the specified torque Specifications.

28. Install the distributor cap, then connect the high-tension wires (Section 1).

29. Connect the vacuum tube and low voltage wiring from the distributor to the ignition control unit.

30. Check the ignition timing angle and adjust it if necessary (Section 1).

Installing a new distributor

31. If a new distributor is installed (or if no marks were made before removal), the procedure is basically the same as that already described. If the distributor is positioned so that the tip of the rotor aligns with the notch on the distributor body when the engine is at TDC, the initial setting will already be accurate enough to start the engine. The ignition timing can then be checked and adjusted as described in Section 1.