Distributor Setup Question
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 895
Likes: 4
From: whitman massachusetts
Distributor Setup Question
Rookie here,installing new HEI distributor on my new engine. Brought #1 piston to top on compression stroke(headers not installed, could see exhaust valve fully closed when piston reached top of cylinder). This engine has the timing degrees marked on the harmonic balancer, rather than the block, but I assume I line up 0 degrees with line mark on chain cover. Walked the distributor until it engaged oil pump and contact terminal(rotor?) pointed to #1 cylinder. Part I am not sure about is, the terminal stays pointed at #1 as long as engine is not turned over, but the distributor base turns freely. Where do I lock the base down? Should it be as close as I can by sight, to line up the #1 plug wire terminal with the rotor terminal under the cap? Any info appreciated
Last edited by willem wallace; Apr 2, 2009 at 09:29 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
There should be a hold down clamp that sits on the edge of the distributor shaft where it meets the intake manifold. It is held by a single bolt into the intake manifold. When the bolt is tightened it puts pressure on the distributor and prevents it from turning. You will need to have it in place before you attempt to start the engine but it should only be tight enough to hold the distributor in. You should be able to turn the distributor with a little effort. You may even need to turn it to get the engine to start. Once the engine is running the distributor will need to be turned to set the timing. After setting the timing you will tighten the distributor hold down clamp to lock in the timing.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 38
From: Los Gatos CA
To get initial timing close, set damper to about 10* btdc. Hook up your timing light. Slowly rotate distributer until light flashes (key on). Tighten hold down bolt there. She should fire right up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
Great tip. I always got someone to crank the engine and I would turn the distributor until it started.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
