Engine Controls - Remove/Install/Overhaul: System: Distributor: Installation

Coat new "O" ring with oil and install onto distributor housing. Turn crankshaft until cylinder No. 1 is on compression stroke and timing mark aligns with 5-degree BTDC mark on timing casecover.
To ensure cylinder No. 1 is on compression stroke, remove camshaft cover and ensure rocker arms on cylinder No. 1 are loose. If rocker arms are not loose, turn crankshaft one additional turn.
Temporarily install rotor. Begin inserting distributor into cylinder head with rotor pointing straight upward and distributor flange mounting hole aligned with center of bolt hole on head. When fully installed, rotor will rotate to about 10 o'clock position. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Installing Distributor (2.4L 22R-E)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Turn distributor to align signal rotor tooth with signal generator (pick-up coil) projection. See Fig 2. While holding distributor in this position, lightly tighten distributor hold-down bolt. Install distributor cap and spark plug wires. Connect distributor electrical connector.
Connect negative battery cable. Set ignition timing. Tighten distributor hold-down bolt to 14 ft. lbs. (19 N.m).

Fig 2: Aligning Rotor Tooth & Signal Generator (2.4L 22R-E)

Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Coat new "O" ring with oil and install onto distributor housing. Align protrusion on top of drive gear teeth with groove on distributor housing.
Install distributor so housing groove aligns with groove on No. 4 camshaft bearing cap. See Fig 1. Install distributor hold-down bolt, distributor cap and spark plug wires.
Connect distributor electrical connector. Connect negative battery cable. Set ignition timing. Tighten distributor hold-down bolt to 13 ft. lbs. (18 N.m).

Fig 1: Installing Distributor (3.0L 3VZ-E)