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HOMESERVICE MANUALSOLDSMOBILE2004BRAVADA AWDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 1037 (ENGINE MECHANICAL - 4.3L)REPAIR INSTRUCTIONSOFF-VEHICLE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONSDISTRIBUTOR INSTALLATION
2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWD

Distributor Installation

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWDSECTION Distributor Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 GMC Sierra and 2004 Chevrolet Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    IMPORTANT: The engine front cover has 2 alignment tabs and the crankshaft balancer has 2 alignment marks (spaced 90 degrees apart) which are used for positioning number 1 piston at top dead center (TDC). With the piston on the compression stroke and at top dead center, the crankshaft balancer alignment mark (1) must align with the engine front cover tab (2) and the crankshaft balancer alignment mark (4) must align with the engine front cover tab (3).
  1. Rotate the crankshaft balancer clockwise until the alignment marks on the crankshaft balancer are aligned with the tabs on the engine front cover and the number 1 piston is at top dead center of the compression stroke.
    2. Fig 1: View Of Crankshaft Balancer Alignment Mark & Engine Front Cover Alignment Tab
    GM334551Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  2. Remove the distributor cap bolts and discard.
  3. Remove the distributor cap.
    4. Fig 2: View Of Distributor Cap
    GM301393Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  4. Install a NEW distributor gasket onto the distributor.
    5. Fig 3: Installing Distributor Gasket
    GM523516Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Align the indent hole on the driven gear with the paint mark on the distributor housing.
    6. Fig 4: Aligning Driven Gear Indent W/Distributor Housing Paint Mark
    GM492137Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Ensure that the distributor rotor segment points to the cap hold area.
  7. Align the slotted tang in the oil pump driveshaft with the distributor driveshaft.

    Rotate the oil pump driveshaft with a screwdriver if necessary.

  8. Align the flat (1) in the distributor housing toward the front of the engine.
    9. Fig 5: Aligning Flat In Distributor Housing Toward Front Of Engine
    GM523746Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Install the distributor and distributor clamp.

    The flat in the distributor housing must point toward the front of the engine.

    10. Fig 6: Installing Distributor & Cap
    GM310298Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Once the distributor is fully seated, align the distributor rotor segment with the number 6 pointer (1) that is cast into the distributor base.

    If the distributor rotor segment does not come within a few degrees of the number 6 pointer (1), the gear mesh between the distributor and camshaft may be off a tooth or more. Repeat the procedure again in order to achieve proper alignment.

    11. Fig 7: Aligning Distributor Rotor Segment With Number 6 Pointer
    GM334555Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.