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HOMESERVICE MANUALSOLDSMOBILE2004BRAVADA AWDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 823 (ENGINE MECHANICAL - 4.3L (UNIT REPAIR))REPAIR INSTRUCTIONSDISTRIBUTOR INSTALLATION
2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWD

Distributor Installation

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWDSECTION Distributor Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Savana and 2002 Chevrolet Chevy Express. 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.
    Fig 1: Ensuring Crankshaft Balancer Alignment Marks Align With Engine Front Cover Tab
    G01689914Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  2. Remove the distributor cap bolts and discard.
  3. Remove the distributor cap.
    Fig 2: Distributor Cap & Bolts
    G01689915Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  4. Install a NEW distributor gasket onto the distributor.
    Fig 3: Distributor Gasket
    G01689916Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Align the indent hole on the driven gear with the paint mark on the distributor housing.
  6. Ensure that the distributor rotor segment points to the cap hold area.
    Fig 4: Aligning Indent Hole With Paint Mark On Distributor Housing
    G01689917Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  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.
    Fig 5: Aligning Flat Toward Front Of Engine
    G01689918Courtesy 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.

    Fig 6: Distributor & Clamp
    G01689919Courtesy 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.

    Fig 7: Aligning Distributor Rotor Segment With Number 6 Pointer
    G01689920Courtesy 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.