Installation (Engine Has Not Been Rotated With Distributor Removed)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sierra, 2003 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2003 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

If installing a NEW distributor, place 2 marks on the new distributor housing in the same location as the marks on the original housing.
To ensure correct timing of distributor, install with rotor positioned as it was when distributor was removed. Align distributor rotor with last mark made on distributor housing. Align bolt hole in distributor hold-down with threaded hole in intake manifold.
Carefully lower distributor into engine. Distributor rotor should turn clockwise and line up with first reference mark made on distributor housing once fully seated into engine. Bolt hole in distributor hold-down should still be aligned with threaded hole in intake manifold.
If distributor rotor is not properly aligned, remove distributor and repeat procedure until mark aligns properly. Install distributor hold-down bolt and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Install the distributor cap. Install new distributor cap screws and tighten screws to specification. Connect the CMP sensor and Fuel pump/oil pressure sensor electrical connectors.
Install the ignition coil wire to the ignition coil and distributor cap. The coil wire nipple must be positioned such that it is between 35 and 60 degrees aft of perpendicular as referenced from the engine centerline on the outboard side of the coil. See Figure.
If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is ON after installing the distributor, and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1345 is found, the distributor was installed incorrectly. Repeat installation procedure.
If the MIL is not on, install the air cleaner resonator outlet duct. See AIR CLEANER RESONATOR OUTLET DUCT under AIR INDUCTION SYSTEMS.