1981 distributor removal
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
1981 distributor removal
I am attempting to pull this distrubutor so that I can change my intake gasket. However, it is eluding me hoe to pull this guy. Tie down is different than I have seen. I have the cap off and spark wires disconnected.
This has a Accel HEI Super Coil on it. Thoughts? Better to ask than screw up my timing.
This has a Accel HEI Super Coil on it. Thoughts? Better to ask than screw up my timing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
There should be a hold down clamp like this at the base of the distributor
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-400500
it must be removed to pull the distributor.
Mark the distributor shaft and the manifold so you can replace it in the same position. Also note the postion of the rotor so that when you reinsert the distributor it is pointing in the same position.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-400500
it must be removed to pull the distributor.
Mark the distributor shaft and the manifold so you can replace it in the same position. Also note the postion of the rotor so that when you reinsert the distributor it is pointing in the same position.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 6
From: Irving Texas
The good news is that you have this picture for reference when reinstalling it.
Now, first thing: be super sure to unbolt the hold down bolt all the way and completely remove it and the clamp.
Second, be sure to grab the distributor housing and with a twisting motion, pull up....making sure not to touch the rotor bar/section....let it twist around as you pull up. A good sign is to see the rotor shaft rotate counter clockwise as you pull up.
Third, at this point take another picture of the rotor orientation once it's out. You will use this picture first on reinstall. Then once installed, the rotor should be pointing the same way as the initial picture. NOTE:the rotor shaft has a square tang on one side and no tang on the other......do not reverse it upon reinstall.
Lastly, as all this is being done upon removal, the oil shaft is being rotated out of position. This is ok since you will refer to the above photos.......except if you for what ever reason you bump or rotate the engine in any way while this is taken apart. DO NOT spin the engine at all until this project is finished.
Now, first thing: be super sure to unbolt the hold down bolt all the way and completely remove it and the clamp.
Second, be sure to grab the distributor housing and with a twisting motion, pull up....making sure not to touch the rotor bar/section....let it twist around as you pull up. A good sign is to see the rotor shaft rotate counter clockwise as you pull up.
Third, at this point take another picture of the rotor orientation once it's out. You will use this picture first on reinstall. Then once installed, the rotor should be pointing the same way as the initial picture. NOTE:the rotor shaft has a square tang on one side and no tang on the other......do not reverse it upon reinstall.
Lastly, as all this is being done upon removal, the oil shaft is being rotated out of position. This is ok since you will refer to the above photos.......except if you for what ever reason you bump or rotate the engine in any way while this is taken apart. DO NOT spin the engine at all until this project is finished.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
What I do when I pull the distributor is put a couple of pieces of painter's tape on the inner fender. Mark them and line each of them up precisely with the rotor and the vacuum canister. Sight from your marks through the center of the distributor to put everything back where it belongs.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I find it easier to put a strip of duct tape across the top of the distributor...holding the rotor in place to the body of the dizzy..., then twist it out/up [CCW] as I lift. Note the orientation of the tape on the dizzy when it finally gets free of the cam drive gear. THAT is how the dizzy must be positioned just as it begins to engage with that cam gear, when you put it back together.
As long as you don't turn the motor over or remove the tape from the dizzy, it will slide right back in place. If you DO need to work on the distributor, just mark the alignment of the rotor cap to the body as it sits with the tape on it. If you need to remove the lower drive gear from the dist shaft, mark it's position to the shaft, as the gear has an odd number of teeth and can be installed 180* out when reassembled.
As long as you don't turn the motor over or remove the tape from the dizzy, it will slide right back in place. If you DO need to work on the distributor, just mark the alignment of the rotor cap to the body as it sits with the tape on it. If you need to remove the lower drive gear from the dist shaft, mark it's position to the shaft, as the gear has an odd number of teeth and can be installed 180* out when reassembled.
