Jeep Cherokee 2000 Service Manual - page 365
NOTE: Do not attempt to modify this fork to attain
ignition timing.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
(2) Disconnect coil secondary cable at coil.
(3) Remove distributor cap from distributor (2
screws). Do not remove cables from cap. Do not
remove rotor.
(4) Disconnect distributor wiring harness from
main engine harness.
(5) Remove cylinder number 1 spark plug.
(6) Hold a finger over open spark plug hole. Rotate
engine at vibration dampener bolt until compression
(pressure) is felt.
(7) Slowly continue to rotate engine. Do this until
timing index mark on vibration damper pulley aligns
with Top Dead Center (TDC) mark (0 degree) on tim-
ing degree scale (Fig. 34). Always rotate engine in
direction of normal rotation. Do not rotate engine
backward to align timing marks.
(8) On models equipped with A/C, remove electri-
cal cooling fan and shroud assembly from radiator.
Refer to Group 7, Cooling System for procedures.
(9) This will provide room to turn engine crank-
shaft with a socket and ratchet using vibration
damper bolt.
(10) Remove distributor holddown bolt and clamp.
(11) Remove distributor from engine by slowly lift-
ing straight up.
(12) Note that rotor will rotate slightly in a coun-
terclockwise direction while lifting up distributor.
The oil pump gear will also rotate slightly in a coun-
terclockwise direction while lifting up distributor.
This is due to the helical cut gears on distributor and
camshaft.
(13) Note removed position of rotor during distrib-
utor
removal.
During
installation,
this
will
be
referred to as the Pre-position.
(14) Observe slot in oil pump gear through hole on
side of engine. It should be slightly before (counter-
clockwise of) 10 o’clock position (Fig. 35).
(15) Remove and discard the old distributor-to-en-
gine block gasket.
Fig. 33 Distributor—2.5L Engine—Typical
1 – CAP
2 – CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
3 – HOUSING
4 – FORK WITH SLOT
5 – DRIVE GEAR
6 – ROLL PIN
7 – WASHER
8 – GASKET
9 – HOLDDOWN CLAMP
10 – HOLDDOWN BOLT
11 – SHAFT
12 – PULSE RING
13 – ROTOR
Fig. 34 Align Timing Marks—2.5L Engine
1 – CRANKSHAFT VIBRATION DAMPER TIMING MARK
8D - 18
IGNITION SYSTEM
XJ
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)