Dropping the distributor in for the first time?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 172
From: Lake Wylie, South Carolina
Dropping the distributor in for the first time?
I am not close to doing this yet but would like some clarification on the best proccess to guarantee that the distributor is installed right the first time. I have the cam in and lined the dots up with the cam sproket dot to the bottom and the crank sprocket dot to the top. I think I read in a post a while back that you should then rotate the engine until the cam dot is at the 12 o'clock position and the crank dot is at 6 o'clock. Then drop the distributor in with the rotor pointing towards the #1 cylinder. Is this correct?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
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From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Originally Posted by BlackRat
I am not close to doing this yet but would like some clarification on the best proccess to guarantee that the distributor is installed right the first time. I have the cam in and lined the dots up with the cam sproket dot to the bottom and the crank sprocket dot to the top. I think I read in a post a while back that you should then rotate the engine until the cam dot is at the 12 o'clock position and the crank dot is at 6 o'clock. Then drop the distributor in with the rotor pointing towards the #1 cylinder. Is this correct?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
Find TDC, using the timing mark. On the compression stroke, just put your finger over the spark plug hole and you'll feel the air come out while cranking.
The distributor will turn about 1/4 turn when you put it in. It may take a couple trys to get the right mesh for the correct position.
The oil pump shaft alignment can be adjusted with a long screwdriver. That may take a couple trys too.
Gary
The distributor will turn about 1/4 turn when you put it in. It may take a couple trys to get the right mesh for the correct position.
The oil pump shaft alignment can be adjusted with a long screwdriver. That may take a couple trys too.
Gary
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 172
From: Lake Wylie, South Carolina
Thanks guys. I want to get the marks as close to dead on as possible so I was planning on putting the timing cover on last. I don't have heads on my engine yet. This before I do it question. 
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Living in the Hartland
Originally Posted by BlackRat
Thanks guys. I want to get the marks as close to dead on as possible so I was planning on putting the timing cover on last. I don't have heads on my engine yet. This before I do it question.
, dist is usually the last think that I put on before I fire it up!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,731
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From: Marietta Ga.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,631
Likes: 14
From: Fountain Hills AZ
Originally Posted by BlackRat
I don't have heads on my engine yet. This before I do it question.
. If the lobes of #1 are pointing down, you're on the compression stroke where you want to be. If not, rotate the engine 360º. When the timing cover and tab are on, rotate the engine back until the marks align at the proper initial advance setting, not at 0º. When you drop the distributor back in make sure that it is properly oriented and with the rotor pointing to the #1 postion of the cap.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 2
From: Carmichael CA
I keep the crank at the TDC mark and use a long screw-driver or the oil pump primer tool to turn the oil pump shaft so that the distributor lines up. This way it's easier to set the initial timing by inspecting where the rotor is in relation to the cap. I usually just set the timing to 0º cause it won't hurt to be around there within 10º , while trying to get it set at the 10º or so BTDC may be too far advanced by 10º and thus cause a 20º BTDC idle timing which may cause some backfire through the carb due to the addition of other factors including the lash not being adjusted on the rocker arms yet. Which reminds me...I usually set zero lash for initially starting the engine...it makes sure that all the valves are going to close and eliminates another chance that the engine will backfire.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Spend a few bucks and buy "How To Rebuild Your Small Block Chevy". They give a nicely detailed description of how to do this right every time. Measurements, techniques, etc. It made it easy enough that I did it right. Some of the advice given here is almost right and can cause profound headaches while you try to troubleshoot why your car runs like a POS after the distributor install. Go to www.ncrs.org and click on the store logo. Buy the book there. You will be happy you did.
Gary
Gary
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
I have done this many times. With the drivers valve cover off I rotote the engine watching the number 1 valves, I watch for the intake to open, then close and I continue turning past the intake closing until I come to TDC.
I have the distributor marked which plug I use for #1 and mark the distributor body so I know where it is.
I then drop the distributor in so that the rotor points to this marking on the housing.
I have the distributor marked which plug I use for #1 and mark the distributor body so I know where it is.
I then drop the distributor in so that the rotor points to this marking on the housing.