How to replace Previa Distributor O-Ring under Cap?

[morevert]

Hi,
There has to be a post on this already, but I'm not finding it. I'm getting some Oil leakage under the Distributor Cap, coming from the center shaft O-ring area. There is a Disc shaped part- Signal Rotor that needs to be removed & maybe the Pickup Coil too. How do you remove these parts?
This is for a 1995 SC Previa

[man_btc]

This is everything I know of outside of the shop and Chilton's manuals. You may find these useful:

A Youtube video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDA4-H42d0w

A writeup from the "files" section of the now-defunct Previa Yahoo! Group

13216

and a discussion from that same group.

From: "Ian Foster" <foster5_50@...>
To: previa@yahoogroups.com;
Dated: 11/21/2004 8:00:13 PM
Subject: Re: [previa] Distributor O Ring Replacement
Yes, I agree. As long as the engine didnt turn, etc.
then its back to exactly where it was before.
TDC is only applicable when you dont have any
reference points to work from, but you have a
non-moved engine and the marks that you made on the
distributor.
should be fine.

Ian Foster, canada
93 awd le 234000 kms
--- Anthony Kelley <maniags@...> wrote:

> You would definately know it if you didn't line
> things up. As long as nothing moved, you're OK.
>
> Tony
> Mesa, AZ
> '92 DX
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Blake or Jennie Bucher
> To: previa@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, November 21, 2004 9:02 AM
> Subject: [previa] Distributor O Ring Replacement
>
>
>
>
> I replaced my distributor O ring last night,
> which was leaking oil
> onto the exhaust. A question about this---I
> mostly followed the
> instructions from the file section here-which
> were excellent. I said
> to match up the 3 marks on the SAD to the timing
> marks on the engine
> (0 5 12). I found one mark on the SAD (but later
> saw the 3 marks)
> Anyway I lined the one mark to 5--because this
> is what it should be
> timed at. Then marked the distributor, rotor
> before removing. Then
> put everything back the same way so marks lined
> up. So obviously I
> didn't have the engine at TDC. But as long as I
> put everything back
> in the same position should this be ok?
> Everything seems to run
> fine. I'm assuming the engine would not run or
> run rough if I
> didn't get this lined back up right. Do you
> think I'm Ok?
>
> 94 AWD LE 134K


I believe when I did mine, I just marked things that might move and put it all back in exactly the same position it was when I disassembled it.

[morevert]

Thanks for sending the links. Unfortunately these Links only show installing the Distributor Shaft Seal that's inside the engine & not the one in the Distributor Cap area, that I'm in need of help with

[man_btc]

So you mean the ring shown as "packing" here? That's to prevent moisture from getting into the distributor. If oil's coming out of that area, it probably is the shaft seal you need to replace. (My apologies if I'm not picking up what you're throwing down.)

13217

[morevert]

There is a 2nd Seal under the Signal Rotor that I need to replace. I have the Factory shop manual, but this isn't covered

[13ozLatte]

Seems like the distributor would be pressed together, the signal rotor being pressed onto that shaft. Maybe you can find a way to rig up a puller to get it off? Then you'd need to find a way to get it back on, and lined up exactly right.

I once bought a remanufactured distributor for a 96 Camry, and it came with the wrong signal rotor on it. I attempted to pull it off, but couldn't find a way to, so I ended up exchanging it. But I always wonder if I had taken it to machine shop, if they could somehow do it.

[morevert]

xx

[man_btc]

I've followed the steps to remove the Distributor as mentioned using above links, but Distributor doesn't want to come out of Block. I've tried lightly prying , & don't want to pry too hard. None of the previous posts mention this being a problem. I only see two Screws that secured the Distributor to the Block.
Any advice would be appreciated.

It was a long time ago for me, and for my Northeast-winters van almost nothing comes out easily except stuff I wish wouldn't. Gentle prying and banging-against-the edge and remembering my signature below (as in making sure you removed the right fasteners - don't ask why that immediately comes to mind) is all I can offer.