HEI distributor installation question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 15, 2007 | 09:47 PM

spearC3

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 22

Likes: 0

From: Miami Fl

HEI distributor installation question

I replaced the intake manifold gaskets this weekend. While I had the distributor lying on the floor, I noticed my son turning the gear wheel at the bottom of the shaft. When I put it all back, it did not start and smelled like gas. What do I do now. I made sure that I aligned the slot in the oil pump with the distributor. Should I remove the distributor and turn the gear wheel 180 degrees. It seems that there is only two ways for it to go. Is this correct. Does anybody have a set of instruction in how to install the distributor so the timing is somewhere correct and it can start. Help is appreciated.

Jul 15, 2007 | 09:54 PM

bruced267

Pro

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 692

Likes: 1

From: Peabody Ma.

You could try and see if its 180* out. But if that does not work, You would have to check to see if the rotor is poiting to cyl. # @ TDC

Jul 15, 2007 | 09:56 PM

Ed Blue 03

Racer

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 494

Likes: 0

From: Virginia

#1 Cylinder at TDC, point rotor at #1.

Jul 15, 2007 | 10:05 PM

bruced267

Pro

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 692

Likes: 1

From: Peabody Ma.

What he said

Jul 15, 2007 | 10:32 PM

Scott Marzahl

Le Mans Master

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 6,355

Likes: 425

From: Seattle Area WA

Remove the #1 plug and bump the motor until you get compression out of the #1 hole feeling it with your finger, and the timing marks are at TDC.

Jul 15, 2007 | 11:22 PM

spearC3

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 22

Likes: 0

From: Miami Fl

O...so far so good. I have the timing marks exactly at 0 so I am at TDC. The question I have now is when I drop in the distributor, where should the rotor point at ? Should the no 1 plug wire be at the center of the engine or a bit to the left?

Jul 16, 2007 | 12:34 AM

Scott Marzahl

Le Mans Master

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 6,355

Likes: 425

From: Seattle Area WA

#1 is typically to the drivers side, and remember to allow room for the vacum advance unit to move when you rotate the distributor.

Jul 16, 2007 | 12:51 AM

dath

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2000

Posts: 1,162

Likes: 2

From: Beaverton, OR

Right, what Scott said. You can technically put it in in any orientation you wish as long as the vacuum booster doesn't get in the way. If you want the "correct" orientation, look up the tech paper by Lars on proper Chevy distributor installation. He also gives good tips on how to "walk" the gear/shaft around to the position you want instead of fiddling with a screw driver down the hole like most folks do.