Installing Distributor for the first time
06-23-2013, 08:53 AM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Installing Distributor for the first time
I'm putting my engine back together and am almost done. HEads have been rebuilt and a new cam has been installed. I'm learning as I go and would like some advice on how to put the distributor back in. Its an original stock TI unit. Motor is at #1 TDC, cam and crank gear dimples are lined up.
I've searched, but haven't found a DIY or advice for a first timer. If its as simple as dropping it in and having the rotor lined up to #1 just say so and call me a butthead. I've found when I think something is easy, I end up doing that step 3 times. Seems like there are tricks for getting it to "drop in"
Advice is appreciated!
I've searched, but haven't found a DIY or advice for a first timer. If its as simple as dropping it in and having the rotor lined up to #1 just say so and call me a butthead. I've found when I think something is easy, I end up doing that step 3 times. Seems like there are tricks for getting it to "drop in"
Advice is appreciated!
06-23-2013, 09:46 AM
#2
Le Mans Master
The oil pump drive has to be set to match the dist shaft in order for the dist to drop down all the way. You have to "predict" where the dist shaft will end up when it twist's into place and the cam gear/dist gear mesh. I use a long screw driver that I bought just for the purpose.
06-23-2013, 09:53 AM
#3
Team Owner
Cap off the dizzy, figger out what is going to be #1 output terminal location, keep lifting and dropping dizzy until the rotor is at the proper terminal, almost....bump the starter and it will flop rest of the way down, line it up on #1 TDC again and you should see the dizzy pointing to the right location.....
06-23-2013, 09:58 AM
#4
once you get the dist. dropped in , you can spin the engine over and the dist will drop that last bit when it lines up. then I always bring #1 back to TDC and recheck everything.
also , you do know that when the timing mark comes up to the tab, that it has to be on the compression stroke.
if you have help , have someone bump the engine over while you hold you thumb on the #1 plug hole.
when the pressure pushed your thumb off, then just line up the timing mark on the tab.
also , you do know that when the timing mark comes up to the tab, that it has to be on the compression stroke.
if you have help , have someone bump the engine over while you hold you thumb on the #1 plug hole.
when the pressure pushed your thumb off, then just line up the timing mark on the tab.
Last edited by 4 speed; 06-23-2013 at 10:03 AM.
06-23-2013, 11:04 AM
#5
Le Mans Master
Or if you don't have a helper, I stuff a paper towel in the #1 spark plug hole, and it will shoot out when #1 compression is reached. Then make sure the timing mark is at TDC.
06-23-2013, 01:15 PM
#6
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Aug 1999
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I have a complete step-by-step paper, complete with photos, on how to do the install. It also shows the alternate, GM Service Bulletin installation, which I would highly recommend to increase the life of your tach cable. Just e-mail me for a copy.
Lars
V8FastCars@msn.com
Lars
V8FastCars@msn.com
