ready to replace valve cover gasket, l think

[383/900]

this is a 83 900 8v non turbo h engine
the distributor mounts through the v/c
does this require removing the distributor before the v/c?
it appears that way
is there an o ring or seal required for the distrib?
would like this to be a smooth process
thankx
i have the one piece v/c gasket only

[crwchf01]

The distributor does not need to be removed. There IS an O-ring on the base of the distributor that should be replaced if you are doing the valve cover, only because of the age. The removal is very simple, just use a chalk mark on the distributor body to the head mating point for reinstalling the distributor. Also you should be aware that the distributor itself has an internal shaft seal that can leak with age.

[900power]

I haven't worked on 8v engines much, but here's something I read:

Originally Posted by Matthew

Interestingly, on the 8v cars the distributor's bolted to the camcover and not the cylinder head. It's driven by a dog that engages with the cam. To remove the cover, the engine must be at 0-degrees TDC so that the dog's vertical and can be lifted up from the cam.

from http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=64480


Try searching the forums: http://www.google.ca/search?as_q=8v+...pe=&as_rights=

[Jim Mesthene]

If the distributor rotor is lined up so that it's parallel (head to tail) to the head/Valve Cover joint, the cover will lift off and can be refitted without altering timing.
It's easier with the plugs out. A good chance to check valve clearances too.