How to Index the Jeep 4.0 Distributor

After having heard and read many horror storiesRenix version, it will be near where the wires come
about Jeep 4.0's that don't run after pulling theout.
distributor, I was very careful about installing theUse a screwdriver to set the slot in the oil pump
distributor in my new Titan Stroker Motor.drive to 11 O'Clock.
The procedure in the factory recommendedNow take the distributor cap off. Eyeball the
procedure is surprising simple. Here is my method ofmounting tang over the mounting bolt hole in the
implementing the recommended procedure.block. Pick up the gasket you just dropped and put it
Use a 3/4 inch wrench to rotate the engine to theback on.
zero degree mark on the Damper. This is easier if theSet the rotor to point to about 4 O'Clock. This will be
electric fan is not in the way. Also, you must ensurea bit to the right of your mark.
that you are on the compression stoke of theLower the distributor in to the hole and allow it to
engine. One way to ensure this is to watch theengage the camshaft drive gears. The rotor will turn
motion of the valves and make sure that you areas the gears engage. When it hits bottom, the rotor
using the mark just after the intake valve closes.should be pointing at the mark you made earlier. If
Another note: If you damper is old, this is a goodnot, try again.
time to make sure it is not twisted by checking thatPut the mounting clamp on and tighten the bolt.
the engine really is at TDC when the damper lines upFrom the stories I have heard, the computer will not
with the mark.work if the distributor indexing is off even one gear
With the cap on the distributor, scribe a line just totooth. By using this procedure, yours will be right.
the left on the number one terminal. Transfer this lineCheck off another item from your list of Jeep
down onto the metal distributor housing. On theCherokee motor problems.