Hi, quick question, For some reason I have seen two sets of directions to change the pick up coil in my car, one says, remove cap, rotor, then remove clip holding pick upo coil and replace, Another said you have to remove the distributor? I do not see why it needs to be removed? looks like I can do the first set of instructions, Am I missing something here? Anyone ever changed one on this car? Also what are the symptoms of a bad pick up coil and what is its job? Sorry for not knowing, I am not an expert on engines.

 

The distributor shaft needs to be removed to access the pick up coil. So need to pull the distributor out. There is a roll pin on the lower gear that retains it to the shaft. Once the gear is removed the shaft comes out the top.

May need some carb cleaner (Gum Out) on the shaft to cut through the decades of hardened varnish.

When reassembling, the dimple on the gear lines up with the cut in the top of the shaft.

RBob.

 

Ok, thanks, If you say so I will go with that, however, I have the new part, and unless i am missing something once the clip on top is removed, wouldnt that coil just lift up? Reason I am asking is you mentioned I have to remove the distributor to access the coil? Mine is accessible as soon as I take the distributor cover off, its right on top, I enclosed a picture of my part, you will see there is no area for a pin? just a round piece with a wire connector and the piece goes over the top and is secured with a C clip

 

Head out to the car and pull the cap and rotor off the distributor. Note the star wheel on the shaft. The coil fits below that piece.

Also pick up a new rubber O-ring. It goes onto the distributor housing right below the mounting flange. These always dry out and start leaking.

RBob.

 

ok, so just to be sure then, I still have to remove the distributor? Sorry to be a pain and ask the same question again!!

 

yes!

 

Well, I will be attempting it this weekend, I even have the official pontiac mechanics book on this car, My coil is under nothing , there is simply a clip that pops off, then it looks like it lifts right up, I dont see where taking the distributor out is neccesary, because there is nothing over the coil, but I will let you know if I had to remove or not, I have the v-6 with a separate ignition coil, mine is not in the distributor. Thanks!!!