need help installing distributor
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6,694
Likes: 3
From: Less Talk, More WOT | Houston TX
need help installing distributor
i removed the distributor to change the pickup coil, and now i cant get the distributor to seat all the way down in the motor because i cant align the oil pump shaft correctly with the distributor motor. I think the oil pump shaft has moved since i took out the distributor. Has anybody else encountered this problem? Is there some kind of trick to this? I have been trying to get it back in for about two days now to no avail. I dont care if i have to retime the engine afterwards.
thanks
thanks
Safety Car
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 5
From: Atlantis
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: need help installing distributor (scorp508)
Hey C4,
It's really an easy thing to do. You have identified the problem exactly.
Heres what to do about it:
Disconnect the wires to the coil pack to make sure the engine doesn't try to start.
Get yourself and assistant.
While you hold the distributor to make sure the distributor gear and the cam gear stay meshed, have the assistant crank the engine . . .just a little.
Just a couple of "bumps" on the starter will turn the cam which will cause the distributor gear to turn until it matches the iol pump drive shaft and the distributor will "jump" down into position.
It's REALLY easy to do, sort of "self aligning" when you do it this way.
One caveat, you need to have the distributor positioned back like it came out so you make sure there's enough room to adjust the timing.
Any questions you have on this I'll be glad to answer.
[Modified by VetNutJim, 11:40 PM 12/7/2001]
It's really an easy thing to do. You have identified the problem exactly.
Heres what to do about it:
Disconnect the wires to the coil pack to make sure the engine doesn't try to start.
Get yourself and assistant.
While you hold the distributor to make sure the distributor gear and the cam gear stay meshed, have the assistant crank the engine . . .just a little.
Just a couple of "bumps" on the starter will turn the cam which will cause the distributor gear to turn until it matches the iol pump drive shaft and the distributor will "jump" down into position.
It's REALLY easy to do, sort of "self aligning" when you do it this way.
One caveat, you need to have the distributor positioned back like it came out so you make sure there's enough room to adjust the timing.
Any questions you have on this I'll be glad to answer.
[Modified by VetNutJim, 11:40 PM 12/7/2001]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 1
From: Fishkill NY
Re: need help installing distributor (C4Fetish)
Hay C4Fetish, the easy way with no help and a piece of cake to do. Like scorp told you, use a long screw driver and just rotate the oil pump shaft in the direction you need to align it with the distributer. I have done this endless times..
