Distributor Install Problem
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 18
From: Lake Ozark, MO
Distributor Install Problem
Rebuilt 454 is going back together...went to install the stock HEI last night in my new Edelbrock AirGap RPM manifold and it would not seat all the way down on the manifold (there is about 1/4 inch gap at the bottom where the round gasket is). Tried my Mallory Comp 9000 and same situation. Anyone run into this before? Does the Air Gap RPM require some special shim or thick gasket?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,370
Likes: 6,364
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
The distributor is not lined up with the oil pump drive. For install instructions, drop me an e-mail and I will send you the distributor installation paper.
Lars
V8FastCars@msn.com
Lars
V8FastCars@msn.com
Pro
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 520
Likes: 5
From: Front Range
yeah just use a long screwdriver to align the slot in the oil pump shaft with your number 5 intake valve with the engine at TDC (#1 intake/exhaust valves in transition, both closed or just "rocking")
then take your distributor (HEI) with the cap on, and make some sort of little mark (you can use a sharpie pen, and they clean up with rubbing alcohol) to make a mark on the distributor body just beneath the number one terminal on the distributor cap. next, remove the cap for installation. as you drop the distributor in, the rotor is going to move as the distributor gear engages with the camshaft. you need to position the rotor 2 1/4" counterclockwise from the mark you made for the #1 terminal. then as you lower the dist. in, the rotor will move back those 2 1/4" to be perfectly aligned with #1 terminal.
it may require some gently wiggling to seat the tang in the groove on the pump shaft.
good luck
the blonde weasel
then take your distributor (HEI) with the cap on, and make some sort of little mark (you can use a sharpie pen, and they clean up with rubbing alcohol) to make a mark on the distributor body just beneath the number one terminal on the distributor cap. next, remove the cap for installation. as you drop the distributor in, the rotor is going to move as the distributor gear engages with the camshaft. you need to position the rotor 2 1/4" counterclockwise from the mark you made for the #1 terminal. then as you lower the dist. in, the rotor will move back those 2 1/4" to be perfectly aligned with #1 terminal.
it may require some gently wiggling to seat the tang in the groove on the pump shaft.
good luck
the blonde weasel
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
The guys above are most likely correct.
However.... I have run into combinations of aftermarket parts that do not fit together.... the gap is usually about 1/8" though.... never had it as high as 1/4".
Had to make a custom spacer. The Mr Gasket "bushing kit" solves a different problem.... not this one.
Tom
However.... I have run into combinations of aftermarket parts that do not fit together.... the gap is usually about 1/8" though.... never had it as high as 1/4".
Had to make a custom spacer. The Mr Gasket "bushing kit" solves a different problem.... not this one.
Tom
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 5
From: Minnesota
I hate to admit it but I had a similar problem a few days ago. I tried turning the oil pump in small increments with no luck after about an hour of trying. The problem was I had the gear on upside down 
. Reinstalled it correctly and I had it in in about one minute.
. Reinstalled it correctly and I had it in in about one minute.
