A Jeep uses a distributor with a self-contained cam position sensor. It is a normal hall-effect sensor, and the nice thing is that it is replaceable, by itself, without replacing the distributor. When a distributor is installed in a Jeep, every precaution must be taken to install it with the housing and rotor in the same direction. Any change in direction, and the timing will be off, resulting in a rough-running engine, at best.
Remove the air duct from the air cleaner to the throttle body using a screwdriver, to gain easy access to the distributor. Remove the distributor cap, using a screwdriver. Disconnect the distributor electrical harness connector from the main electrical harness connector.
Mark the base of the distributor, where it enters the block. Make a mark on the distributor housing, and extend the mark straight down onto the engine block. When the distributor is installed, these lines must match up. Mark the location of the rotor metal end, in relation to the distributor. Make a mark directly under the metal end on the housing, so when the distributor is installed, the rotor can be positioned directly over this mark.
Remove the distributor hold-down nut, using a wrench. Lift the distributor out of the engine block, slowly, and pay particular attention to the rotor. It will turn a few degrees, counterclockwise, as it is being lifted. Remember how far the rotor turns. The rotor should be positioned at this spot, when installing the distributor, so it will rotate from that spot to the marked spot on the distributor.
Mark the new distributor. If a new distributor is being installed, it must meet the exact locations as the old distributor. Install the distributor, by first orientating the housing and the rotor, in the the correct positions, when the distributor is completely installed. The housing mark should be in position to align with the mark on the block. The rotor should be a few degrees, counterclockwise, from its alignment mark on the housing. This is the mark seen as the distributor was lifted and the rotor turned, counterclockwise. Insert the distributor, and align both marks.
Install the distributor; hold down the clamp and the nut, and tighten them, with a wrench. Plug the distributor electrical harness connector into the main harness connector. Install the distributor cap, and tighten it with a screwdriver. Install the air duct.
