How to Install a New Distributor on a 1995 Chevrolet Suburban

Starting its existence in 1935 as the "Carryall Suburban" with its all-metal wagon body mounted on a half-ton truck frame, this workhorse spent its early years as a cargo wagon and military personnel transport vehicle. By the 1995 model year -- part of the ninth generation of this long-running nameplate -- the Suburban had long since established itself as a heavy-duty, full-size SUV. The 1995 Suburban 1500 and 2500 came standard with the 5.7-liter engine. Both models had an optional 6.5-liter diesel engine, and the 2500 had an optional 7.4-liter engine.

Instructions

5.7-liter, Removal

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable, using a wrench, and position it away from the terminal post so that it cannot make accidental contact.

2

Use a marker to label the distributor cap spark plug wire positions. The cylinders are numbered front to back -- odd numbers on the driver side -- with No. 1 at the front -- and even on the passenger side. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2, with a clockwise distributor rotation. Remove the spark plug wire boots from the distributor cap with a twisting motion to avoid damaging the boot or wire if the boot is stubborn.

3

Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap. Unplug the electrical connector from the socket near the bottom of the distributor.

4

Using a ratchet, socket and extension, loosen the two distributor cap retaining bolts a little at a time until the cap is free. Do not attempt to completely remove the retaining bolts from the cap, as they are captive and the retaining bolt bosses may be damaged.

5

Use a marker to mark the position of the rotor pointer on the distributor housing, and another set of matchmarks to indicate the housing position relative to the block.

6

Loosen the distributor hold-down bolt, using a distributor wrench or a ratchet and socket. Remove the bolt and clamp from the engine.

7

Hold the distributor in place with one hand, and wipe around the distributor using a clean, lint-free shop rag to remove grit or debris that may fall into the distributor hole. Once the area is clean, lift the distributor up and out of the engine about 3/4 inch. The rotor will rotate as you lift the distributor up. Make a matchmark to indicate the second rotor position where it disengages from the gear below. Plug the distributor hole using a clean, lint-free shop rag.

Installation

8

Transfer the matchmarks from the old distributor to the new one as accurately as possible.

9

Carefully remove the rag, and ensure that no debris falls into the distributor hole. Align the distributor rotor with the second position matchmark, and hold it in position. Align the distributor housing with its matchmark and insert the distributor into the block gently until the distributor gear engages with the cam at the appropriate mark and rotates to the first matchmark as the distributor seats fully in position.

10

Ensure that the marks line up perfectly. If the rotor matchmarks do not line up, they may be a tooth or two off. Lift the distributor and repeat the process until the matchmarks line up. Install the hold-down clamp and bolt. Torque it to 18 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket.

11

Install the distributor cap and tighten the retaining screws. Install the spark plug wires, the coil wire and the electrical connector on the distributor. Install the negative battery cable and test run the engine.