stans93xj

I'm having some difficulty disassembling the distributor in my '93 XJ 4.0L (need to replace the cam sensor).
I have two questions:

1. How do I remove the spring clip or whatever it's called (pic below) that holds the shaft in place? Do I pound it out with a center punch or do I press it out?

2. How best to remove the gasket? It's stuck in the engine block and there's not much room to work with any kind of scraping tool.

Would like to hear from someone who's done this before. This is my only vehicle, and I need to get it back on the road.

Thanks in advance,
SS

cruiser54

Use a punch on the pin.
Stick a rag in the dizzy hole and use a screwdriver.

Saudade

DO NOT USE A CENTER PUNCH! Typically, center punches are tapered. A tapered punch will wedge itself into the shaft before you knock the pin out. A flat pin punch or better yet roll pin punch and a few hammer blows should knock it right out. Make sure to support the shaft and not damage the gear.

Did you mark the distributor orientation before you removed it? If not, you'll need to properly index it when you reinstall.

stans93xj

Thanks for the additional input. This is one reason why I asked about a tapered punch. I went ahead and used it anyway (before I saw your post), being mindful of the taper and was able to knock the pin out before the punch got stuck.

Yes, I did note the orientation and hopefully I can get it back in the right place.

One more question while I'm here, what's the best way to reinstall the pin?

bluejeep2001

Earlier model dizzys may be different...why do you need to disassemble the shaft...i thought the cam sensor just screwed in over the shaft after you pulled off the rotor end

stans93xj

The cam sensor on top appeared some time after 1993. I looked at videos and pictures and at my distributor, and verified that, yes, I did indeed have to disassemble the shaft in order to replace the sensor.