Help Re-installing Distributor

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Mar 25, 2010 | 07:34 PM

txvette79

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Feb 2010

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Help Re-installing Distributor

Hello again,

So, with all of your help, I took my heads off, put in new head gaskets and while I was at it, changed all of the other gaskets as well. Now that I have it all put back together, I realized I made the biggest rookie mistake. I didn't mark my distributor at all when I pulled it out. I did, however, label the wires so that i know where all 8 of those belong. Now, how do I go about putting the distributor back on? It has an accel super HEI coil if that makes a difference. My motor was recently rebuilt and has a high compression ratio (puts out 379hp on the engine dyno) as well in case that changes anything. Can i just try lining up the oil pump "key" and try starting it up? Thanks in advance!

Mar 25, 2010 | 08:00 PM

flyingman21

Instructor

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 180

Likes: 1

From: Charleston SC

This video should help or at least get you pointed in the right direction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdIGZ-tVuZA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ixfD...eature=channel

I have their DVD for the Chevy 350 which this excerpt is from, it has been a ton of help for my rebuild.

Mar 25, 2010 | 08:17 PM

Mike Ward

Race Director

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 15,892

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Rotate the engine so that the number 1 cylinder is at top dead centre on the compression stroke.

Remove the distributor cap and turn the rotor so that it points at the number 1 plug wire terminal on the cap.

Rotate the oil pump shaft so that the slot matches up with the bottom of the distributor shaft.

Note that the drive gear teeth on the distributor are cut in a helix. This means that the shaft will attempt to turn out of correct position as you drop the assembly into place. Compensate for this by inserting the distributor slightly counterclockwise from the desired position, then letting it drop into position.

Mar 25, 2010 | 08:20 PM

txvette79

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

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If for some reason I were to mess this up and try starting the car, will this do any damage?

Mar 25, 2010 | 08:26 PM

flyingman21

Instructor

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 180

Likes: 1

From: Charleston SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by txvette79

If for some reason I were to mess this up and try starting the car, will this do any damage?

It may back-fire but chances are that it won't even start. If you follow the video you should be good to go. You should have a timing light available to dial in the timing when you get it going too.

Mar 25, 2010 | 09:00 PM

drwet

Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 3,233

Likes: 657

From: Thunder Bay

Spend some time and learn how to do it properly. Its not difficult and the chances of you getting it right by chance are pretty slim.

Mar 25, 2010 | 11:16 PM

Jeff_Keryk

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 1,879

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From: Los Gatos CA

Another tip to test installation: Rotate engine until timing mark is about 10* BTDC. Hook up timing light. Turn key to on position (do not crank). SLOWLY rotate distributer; your timing light will flash. Lock down distributer, prime your carb. She will fire right up.

Mar 26, 2010 | 11:37 PM

txvette79

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Feb 2010

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Thanks to all of you! I have it it on and the car started up perfectly the first time I tried to crank. Now I also know how the distributor works...kind of cool! You guys are awesome. I lost my job not long ago and couldn't afford to take it to a mechanic. If it weren't for you, I'd be jobless and unable to go job hunting!