distributor question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 299
Likes: 4
From: Surprise AZ
distributor question
Hi, Trying to out if anyone replaced their orginal Delco Remy dizzy, with a Mallory 8548201 dizzy. I put a Mallory in and it will not line up with the mark. The old dizzy drops right in place. Its 1\2 tooth off. Changed the drive gear 180 degrees, still the same. Its a 1978 vett 350 HEI. Any ideas? Thanks. 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 299
Likes: 4
From: Surprise AZ
Hi, Thanks for answering, I put a mark on the firewall. I put the old dizzy in and it lines right up. I put the Mallory in and it one tooth off over or under. Call Mallory and they say it should drop right in. Moved the oil pump shaft for hours, and will not line up. It will drop in but will not line up.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,362
Likes: 2,732
From: Close to DC
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
I'm sure someone here will add to this. Here is my method. Set #1 cyl at TDC with plug removed to check piston position. Mark the location of the vacuum adv. can tip (about 5 0'clock) and the position of the rotor. It should be about at the centerline of the engine (about 3 o'clock). Remove distributor. If you move the oil pump drive CW, it will be just a skosh Install new dist. Maybe I'm missing something. 
Dennis
Dennis
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,317
Likes: 292
From: Ocala FL
You do realize that where the slot on the oil pump shaft points is irrelevant to operation, right? As long as the distributor seats all the way and engages the pump drive shaft, it will work.
If you are trying to get the distributor to align to a point on the firewall, it must be so that your vacuum can will clear the ignition shielding (another good reason to leave it off). Pull the distributor cap off, watch where the rotor points, and then set the other one in so that it points the same place.
If you can't get the distributor to seat in the position you want, stick a long screwdriver down the hole and turn the oil pump drive shaft slightly so you can.
Have you checked that the Mallory and the Delco both point the rotor the same in relation to the gear slot and the housing?
If you are trying to get the distributor to align to a point on the firewall, it must be so that your vacuum can will clear the ignition shielding (another good reason to leave it off). Pull the distributor cap off, watch where the rotor points, and then set the other one in so that it points the same place.
If you can't get the distributor to seat in the position you want, stick a long screwdriver down the hole and turn the oil pump drive shaft slightly so you can.
Have you checked that the Mallory and the Delco both point the rotor the same in relation to the gear slot and the housing?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 506
Likes: 23
From: Union City TN
St. Jude Donor '15
