Chapter 1 Routine maintenance and servicing

Ignition system 5B•79.3 Distributor body halves separated(ignition amplifier module also shown)9.4 Remove the plastic spacer ring (A)9.5 Trigger coil to ignition amplifiermodule connector (A) and sealafter the remaining components have beenrefitted and the relevant connections made.17 Refit the rotor arm (if removed), distributorcap, suppressor shield (as applicable) and HTleads, making reference to Section 7, thenreconnect the wiring multi-plug.18 Reconnect the battery negative lead.19 If one or both of the punch marks aremissing after component renewal, the vehiclewill need to be taken to a Ford dealer foraccurate ignition timing checking and, ifnecessary, adjustment. This can only becarried out with the EEC IV enginemanagement module in “self-test” modeand connected to the Ford specialised testequipment (see Section 10, paragraph 19).9 Distributor vacuumdiaphragm unit - renewal 2Note: Check parts availability beforeproceeding with this operation.1 Remove the distributor, as described inSection 8.2 With the distributor on the workbench,remove the ignition amplifier module (seeSection 4) and the distributor cap and rotorarm (if not already done).3 Remove the three screws securing the9.7 Stator and shim detailsA CirclipC StatorB Upper shim D Lower shimdistributor body halves and separate theassembly (see illustration).4 Lift out the plastic spacer ring from theupper distributor body half (see illustration).5 Remove the trigger coil to ignition amplifiermodule connector and seal, having notedwhich way the connector fits for subsequentreassembly (see illustration).6 Lift out the trigger coil, before careful not todamage it or its connectors as it is withdrawn.7 Remove the stator securing circlip and theupper shim followed by the stator and thelower shim (see illustration).8 Undo the vacuum diaphragm unit securingscrew and detach the unit.9 This is the limit of dismantling that can beundertaken on these distributors. Should thedistributor be worn or unserviceable in anyother respect, renewal of the complete unitwill be necessary.10 Reassembling is a reversal of thedismantling procedure. During reassembly,ensure that the pin on the vacuum diaphragmunit arm engaged in the stator as the stator isrefitted, and fit the plastic spacer ring so thatits cut-out aligns with the trigger coil toignition amplifier module connector.Additionally, after the distributor body halves’securing screws have been tightened, ensurethat the distributor shaft turns easily. Refit theignition amplifier module in accordance withSection 4.10.6 Crankshaft pulley timing notch(arrowed) and timing marks on the timingcover scale10 Ignition timing -checking and adjustment2Distributorless ignition systems1 The ignition timing is controlled entirely bythe ignition module (acting in conjunction withthe EEC IV engine management module onfuel injection engines), and can only bechecked and adjusted when the system isconnected to Ford diagnostic equipment.2 If the timing is thought to be incorrect, thiscan only be due to a fault in the ignitionmodule or engine management systemcomponents and the vehicle should be takento a Ford dealer for full testing and faultdiagnosis.Distributor ignition systems (CVHengines with carburettor)Note: When an engine is timed in production,marks are punched into the cylinder head andthe distributor body flange to indicate thecorrect timing position of the distributor (seeillustration 8.2). Therefore, under normalcircumstances, ignition timing adjustment willonly be necessary if the initial setting has beendisturbed. An ignition timing setting for usewith unleaded petrol (95 RON) is given in theSpecifications3 Where the original punch marks are presenton the cylinder head and the distributor bodyflange, correct ignition timing can be set, asnecessary, by turning the body of thedistributor to align the marks before retighteningthe distributor clamp bolts.4 If, due to component renewal, one or bothof the original punch marks is missing, thefollowing procedure must be carried out.5 Turn the distributor body so that the clampbolts are located centrally in their slots thentighten the clamp bolts.6 Increase the contrast of the notch in thecrankshaft pulley and the appropriate mark onthe timing cover scale (refer to Specifications)by applying a dab of quick-drying white paint(see illustration).7 Connect a stroboscopic timing light in5B1595Ford Fiesta Remake