How to Replace the Distributor on a 1966 Ford 352 V8

The Ford 352 eight-cylinder engine was produced from 1958 through the 1967 production years. The big block engine featured a single mechanical distributor. Although simple by today's standards, the 352's distributor was still one of the most complex components on the engine. Aside from its electrical components, the distributor features a number of bearings and a large gear on the bottom of the distributor shaft. A defective distributor can be rebuilt, but it often is more advantageous simply to replace it.

Tools Used: Wrench, Standard screwdriver

Replace Distributor

Disconnect the distributor's primary wire from the ignition coil using a wrench.

Pry the two clips that hold the distributor cap onto the top of the distributor off of the cap using a standard screwdriver.

Lift the distributor cap off of the distributor to expose the distributor's rotor.

Note the position of the metal tip of the distributor's rotor, then mark the side of the replacement distributor to indicate the direction of that tip.

Mark the position of the distributor's shaft, meaning the portion of the distributor that enters the engine. Find the casting seam on the side of the shaft, then mark the location of that seam on the engine.

Remove the distributor's hold-down clamp, located at the bottom of the distributor's shaft. The clamp is secured to the engine with a single bolt. Remove the bolt with a wrench and pull the distributor out of the engine.

Turn the rotor on the replacement distributor until the metal tip of the rotor points to the mark made on the side of the distributor.

Locate the casting seam on the side of the replacement distributor shaft, then lower the distributor into the engine using the seam and the mark made on the engine as guides.

Position the distributor's hold-down clamp against the distributor shaft, then tighten the clamp's single bolt with a wrench to secure the distributor in place.

Lower the distributor cap onto the distributor, then lift the two clips onto the cap until they snap into place. Connect the distributor's primary wire to the ignition coil using a wrench.