distributor makes no sense
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Pampa Texas
distributor makes no sense
Ive had a 383 built, and i was getting ready to install the new msd distributor. The problem is the more books and videos I read the more confused i become.
Ive watched a few youtube videos over installing the exact distributor I have and I have a few books installing the same distributor and they say different.
I have put the number 1 on tdc on the compression stroke. The timing tab and 0 mark on the balancer line up. The videos and the books all say this is correct. Then one of the videos on a few forums on move on to say turn the engine a couple more times to get the timing tab to 12 degrees initial before installing the distributor.
Which one is correct? With tab and balancer lined up at 0 the rotor is pointed roughly half way between number 1 and thermostat opening. This doesnt seem correct either? Any help or advice?
Ive watched a few youtube videos over installing the exact distributor I have and I have a few books installing the same distributor and they say different.
I have put the number 1 on tdc on the compression stroke. The timing tab and 0 mark on the balancer line up. The videos and the books all say this is correct. Then one of the videos on a few forums on move on to say turn the engine a couple more times to get the timing tab to 12 degrees initial before installing the distributor.
Which one is correct? With tab and balancer lined up at 0 the rotor is pointed roughly half way between number 1 and thermostat opening. This doesnt seem correct either? Any help or advice?
Last edited by doublearrow; May 29, 2014 at 02:25 AM.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,521
Likes: 6,987
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Rookie suggestion.........Slowly remove the distributor----you will see the rotor turn slightly as you lift out the distributor.
Turn the rotor by hand counterclockwise about 45 degrees, then re-insert the distributor "wiggling the rotor slightly right and left by hand and pushing down slightly until the distributor drops completely in place.
The rotor should be pointing at the # 1 cylinder now...if it is too far to the left of the #1 cylinder, remove the distributor and re-stab it into the block to get it pointing closer to the #1 cylinder by wiggling the rotor slightly right and left.
(A very long flat-bladed screwdriver might need to be inserted into the distributor hole and the oil pump shaft SLOT (which can be seen with a bright flashlight) turned a little to the left to help the tang on the bottom of the distributor shaft line up with oil pump slot better)
Remember---it's a rookie suggestion....experts can give better advice!
Turn the rotor by hand counterclockwise about 45 degrees, then re-insert the distributor "wiggling the rotor slightly right and left by hand and pushing down slightly until the distributor drops completely in place.
The rotor should be pointing at the # 1 cylinder now...if it is too far to the left of the #1 cylinder, remove the distributor and re-stab it into the block to get it pointing closer to the #1 cylinder by wiggling the rotor slightly right and left.
(A very long flat-bladed screwdriver might need to be inserted into the distributor hole and the oil pump shaft SLOT (which can be seen with a bright flashlight) turned a little to the left to help the tang on the bottom of the distributor shaft line up with oil pump slot better)
Remember---it's a rookie suggestion....experts can give better advice!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
Get Lars' paper "Installing Chevy Distributors". It will explain exactly how to install and set the initial timing so that the instant you hit the starter the engine will run. I used to do it the old way-crank it and turn the distributor , trying to set the timing so the engine would at least catch. Now I know better. I just rebuilt an engine, used Lars' method and it started instantly-good news for new cams and lifters!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 38
From: Los Gatos CA
I have a simple process. Click ignition with thumb over #1 plug hole. When you feel compression, stop anywhere around 6 to 10* BTDC. Stab distributer so that rotor points to #1 post. Hook up timing light and turn key to on position. SLOWLY rotate distributer. When light flashes, lock down distributer. Prime carb and start engine. Time engine as usual. Easy money...
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,113
From: Crossville TN
An important "issue" is that you must use a large screwdriver (at least 10" long) to stick down into the dizzy hole so that you can turn the [slotted] oil pump drive shaft and orient it properly...so that it can accept the distributor and have the rotor pointing at the #1 pin when the dizzy is inserted. Without that alignment, the drive pin in the dizzy drive gear won't engage in the oil shaft slot (and the distributor will not completely drop into position).
Also, because of the helical drive gear, you will need to "lead" that engagement, as the rotor will turn about 20* as it mates with the internal gear PRIOR to reaching engagement with the drive shaft slot.
The process isn't difficult; but it is a little bit 'complex' until you become familiar with it.
Also, because of the helical drive gear, you will need to "lead" that engagement, as the rotor will turn about 20* as it mates with the internal gear PRIOR to reaching engagement with the drive shaft slot.
The process isn't difficult; but it is a little bit 'complex' until you become familiar with it.
