Distributer Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
From: Turnersville New Jersey
Distributer Question
1989 Corvette Coupe L98, Is it true that to re-install my distributer after it was pulled for a head gasket problem is to bring number #1 TDC with both valves closed and center line is 0 degrees on the front timing mark. Drop in the distributer and position the rotor to just before #1. So when it drops it will be on #1.
Is there something else I must do.
I did move the engine during this head gasket replacement work.
Thanks, I just want to get it right.
Is there something else I must do.
I did move the engine during this head gasket replacement work.
Thanks, I just want to get it right.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
You have it. As you line up the timing marks, make sure that #1 is starting the compressions stroke. Pull #1 plug and place a finger or thumb over the hole. As you turn the crank to start lining up the marks, you should feel compression.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
When the distributor is in the correct position, the #1 and #8 plug wire terminals should be toward the front of the engine. You know about positioning the oil pump to mesh with the distributor shaft, right?
If you want to set the distributor close to the correct position, so the engine will start the first time, here's a trick. The HEI will give you a spark whether the housing is stationary and the shaft rotates, or if the shaft is stationary and the housing rotates.
1. Line up your timing marks and unplug your EST connector (near the brake booster).
2. Connect your timing light to spark plug #1. Set the light down anyplace so you can see it flash.
2. Turn on the ignition.
3. Twist the distributor housing, and the light will flash at the position where the distributor should be snugged down.
4. Start your engine and do the final fine adjustment of your timing (6 deg. BTDC).
5. Plug in the EST connector.
If you want to set the distributor close to the correct position, so the engine will start the first time, here's a trick. The HEI will give you a spark whether the housing is stationary and the shaft rotates, or if the shaft is stationary and the housing rotates.
1. Line up your timing marks and unplug your EST connector (near the brake booster).
2. Connect your timing light to spark plug #1. Set the light down anyplace so you can see it flash.
2. Turn on the ignition.
3. Twist the distributor housing, and the light will flash at the position where the distributor should be snugged down.
4. Start your engine and do the final fine adjustment of your timing (6 deg. BTDC).
5. Plug in the EST connector.
Last edited by Hot Rod Roy; Feb 21, 2009 at 01:52 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 1
From: Warwick RI
1989 Corvette Coupe L98, Is it true that to re-install my distributer after it was pulled for a head gasket problem is to bring number #1 TDC with both valves closed and center line is 0 degrees on the front timing mark. Drop in the distributer and position the rotor to just before #1. So when it drops it will be on #1.
Is there something else I must do.
I did move the engine during this head gasket replacement work.
Thanks, I just want to get it right.
Is there something else I must do.
I did move the engine during this head gasket replacement work.
Thanks, I just want to get it right.
Bring it up to TDC as you described and drop the dist in so that it sits all the way down(oil pump drive shaft engaged). whatever post the rotor is pointing at is now your number one.
Too many times people look at the Haynes diagram and think that #1 has to be pointing at the #1 cylinder, this has caused more issues with members on here.
Fire it up and get to idle by ear and then time it correctly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
.Use a torch and long flat blade screwdriver to turn the oil pump drive so it lines up with where the dist will be ( final position)
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
Bring it up to TDC as you described and drop the dist in so that it sits all the way down(oil pump drive shaft engaged). whatever post the rotor is pointing at is now your number one.
Too many times people look at the Haynes diagram and think that #1 has to be pointing at the #1 cylinder, this has caused more issues with members on here.
Too many times people look at the Haynes diagram and think that #1 has to be pointing at the #1 cylinder, this has caused more issues with members on here.
Last edited by Hot Rod Roy; Mar 12, 2009 at 02:13 AM.
Race Director
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