Distributor Installation / Initial Start-up Procedures

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Sep 18, 2002 | 10:04 PM

scottw

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 1,241

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From: Okinawa Okinawa

Distributor Installation / Initial Start-up Procedures

I have just about everything back on the car and should be ready to fire up the engine tomorrow night.
Can anyone help out with the distrubutor install and any tips for the initial start up?
I have replaced the cam, valve springs, rockers, water and fuel pump, and intake. I know you are suppose to start up the engine as quick as possible so any pointers would help.

Sep 18, 2002 | 10:19 PM

dogboy

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2000

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From: Orlando,Fl,USA

Re: Distributor Installation / Initial Start-up Procedures (scottw)

Just have your timing marks on the H. balancer at o btdc and make sure its either on # 1 or # 6 fire order. If # 1 set it as close as possible to the #1 wire from the dist. cap. It should fire up right away once the gas gets through the system and than set the timing by ear. hit it with a timing light when its running and run it for at least 20 minutes. I started mine up checked for leaks did a quick timing check and took it for a ride around the hood. about 10 miles at varying speeds. I dumped the oil & filter and replaced them right away.

Sep 18, 2002 | 11:12 PM

scottw

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2001

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From: Okinawa Okinawa

Re: Distributor Installation / Initial Start-up Procedures (dogboy)

That is what I was going to do but reading "How to rebuild your small-block chevy" it says to but the engine at 12 degrees BTDC and then rotate the dist 1.7 inches bach from the number 1 post on the dist cap. Has anyone ever done this or is the easiest way just to put it close as possible to the #1 post?

Sep 18, 2002 | 11:54 PM

tnt76vette

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2000

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Re: Distributor Installation / Initial Start-up Procedures (scottw)

Lots of correct ways to do it......I would heed the words of dogboy. Sounds like the easist way to me......Motor should run for 20 minutes or so at abt 2k RPM to 2.5k RPM......then dump the oil and filter for fresh stuff. GOOD LUCK........ :cheers:

Sep 19, 2002 | 02:37 AM

tnt76vette

Drifting

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Re: Distributor Installation / Initial Start-up Procedures (tnt76vette)

To further confuse you (LOL), go to the tech tip section of ths Forum, punch in the C-3 section, and go down to distributor install by Lars. Its all spelled out for ya there tooooooo........... :D

Sep 19, 2002 | 03:13 AM

Jvette73

Safety Car

Joined: Jun 2001

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From: Severna Park Md

Re: Distributor Installation / Initial Start-up Procedures (tnt76vette)

Are you working with a points dist? If so theres a way to get it real close using a dwell tach meter. With the meter connected and set to the position to check points resistence, put the timing mark on the balancer to 12 degrees BTDC. Then with the key in the on position rotate the dist to and away from the #1 post in the cap. When the dwell meter needle swings across indicating "points open" you are very close, if not right on 12BTDC.

Keep rpms up to 2000 for at least 20mins during initial start up. this is important for proper cam break in. It does not apply when using a roller cam.

[Modified by Jvette73, 1:17 AM 9/19/2002]