Another intake manifold gasket question

[Kawazar]

I am replacing the gasket on my 94 Sub. with the 5.7L. Do I need to set the engine to TDC before pulling the distributor? I have read the posts about the gasket replacement and from what I remember they say to mark the dist. and rotor before you pull it but nothing about setting the engine to TDC. However, after reading my repair manual it recommends getting to TDC then marking position of rotor and dist.

[brcidd]

It doesn't have to be-- just be sure you don't turn the engine over- and you put the distributor back exactly in the same rotational position as you removed it and you'll be fine- that's why I generally peen the spot where the distributor meets the intake manifold-- if it isn't already marked.....and also be sure to know where the rotor is pointing- I sometimes lay a straight edge on it and mark the firewall-- it is a good idea to unhook the battery- so no one tries to start the truck while disassembled....

[Kawazar]

Thanks for the answer! It is just one more step I didn't want to do. I didn't want to pull all of the plugs so I can turn the engine to get it in the right spot. I like the idea of marking it with a center punch for the location. the dist. seems to be the hardest part of the whole job. I have worked on my cars for years and removing the dist. is one of those things I have avoided. One more question, I have 155k, should I replace the dist. gear. I read somewhere else that while you have the dist. out to replace the gear but it is working fine.

[Will Help]

You can see if there is heavy wear on the gear or not. It is your judgment call since we can't physically look at it or measure the material loss. Keep in mind also that the cam gear typically has the same wear.

Also check the oil pump drive slot at the bottom of the distributer. If it has excess wear, you will have to replace the whole distributor. But I have only seen this 1 time in 40 years.