76 L48 Distributor Install/Initial Timing Help Needed
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 62
From: Houston Tx
76 L48 Distributor Install/Initial Timing Help Needed
Hi everyone, I've installed a few hei distributors in my life and II was sure I knew how to do it and set timing up until today.
I'm installing a street DUI distributor in my 76 (L48). When I pulled the old distributor, I set the engine to TDC at #1. The rotor was pointed more toward the front of the engine of the car than towards the #1 cylinder but somewhat ahead of it. I did not crank the engine again and removed the old distributor. I installed the new distributor and had the rotor the pointing same way. I cranked the car and when I did, I got loudest bang (backfire) I ever heard from the tailpipes. I ran the car for a split second and shut it down. It sounded horrible.
I reset TDC at #1 and pulled the new distributor. I backed the shaft up one tooth backwards. The rotor was then setting more after #3 but before #1. The car would not crank and when it did it, died immediately.
Can anyone let me know what I may be doing wrong? Thanks.
I'm installing a street DUI distributor in my 76 (L48). When I pulled the old distributor, I set the engine to TDC at #1. The rotor was pointed more toward the front of the engine of the car than towards the #1 cylinder but somewhat ahead of it. I did not crank the engine again and removed the old distributor. I installed the new distributor and had the rotor the pointing same way. I cranked the car and when I did, I got loudest bang (backfire) I ever heard from the tailpipes. I ran the car for a split second and shut it down. It sounded horrible.
I reset TDC at #1 and pulled the new distributor. I backed the shaft up one tooth backwards. The rotor was then setting more after #3 but before #1. The car would not crank and when it did it, died immediately.
Can anyone let me know what I may be doing wrong? Thanks.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 62
From: Houston Tx
Yea, thanks for the feedback I guess - I was just trying to explain what happened and had already looked at several videos. I think I may have found one that explains it a bit better.
Last edited by hgoodwiniii; Jan 11, 2024 at 08:21 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,379
Likes: 6,390
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
E-mail me for my "How to Install your HEI Distributor" paper for a complete step-by-step with photos for a correct install.
Lars
V8FastCars@msn.com
Lars
V8FastCars@msn.com
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 62
From: Houston Tx
E-mail me for my "How to Install your HEI Distributor" paper for a complete step-by-step with photos for a correct install.
Lars
V8FastCars@msn.com
Lars
V8FastCars@msn.com
