84 corvette distributor
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 26
Likes: 2
84 corvette distributor
I have an 84 corvette cross fire with a delco remy distributor. I need help on installing. I have put it in but I cannot get it to lock in place when I put the bracket on and tighten it.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 112
Likes: 36
From: USA
As the distributor drive gear engages the teeth on the camshaft, it will move the rotor slightly clockwise as both are helical cut gear. If the rotor is not pointed close to the Number One mark, pull the distributor and re-position the rotor until it comes close.
Unless you are very lucky, the distributor will not drop fully into the intake manifold. In almost all cases, the distributor will sit about 3/8 inch off of the manifold. This is normal and is caused by the oil pump drive not engaged into the drive tang in the distributor. You can remove the distributor and try to re-orient the oil pump drive slot with a long straight screwdriver, but this can be somewhat difficult. Helps to look into the cavity with a flashlight and get the orientation correct to match the slot on the distributor shaft
Unless you are very lucky, the distributor will not drop fully into the intake manifold. In almost all cases, the distributor will sit about 3/8 inch off of the manifold. This is normal and is caused by the oil pump drive not engaged into the drive tang in the distributor. You can remove the distributor and try to re-orient the oil pump drive slot with a long straight screwdriver, but this can be somewhat difficult. Helps to look into the cavity with a flashlight and get the orientation correct to match the slot on the distributor shaft
Pro
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 647
Likes: 126
From: Liliha Bakery stuffing my face with coco puffs!
I've never tried this before (never had to) but I was told when you encounter something like this you can bump the starter a few times until slot on the oil pump shaft will align with the slot on the distributor gear slot. I would imagine a friend or utilizing a remote starter while applying downward pressure on the distributor would help.
Last edited by stew86MCSS396; Dec 25, 2024 at 02:50 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 1,490
From: New Jersey
I've done the starter bump. If you hold the distributor slightly off the oil pump and bump a few times you're fine. If you've stabbed it in close it'll just rotate the same as if the car was running so long as you keep the body in the same direction. Youll actually feel when it aligns to the oil pump as it'll want to drop straight down. The teeth never disengage so it's fine. Screwdriver works too. I've gotten it to go without either plenty of times too by just popping it up and down.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 647
Likes: 126
From: Liliha Bakery stuffing my face with coco puffs!
I've done the starter bump. If you hold the distributor slightly off the oil pump and bump a few times you're fine. If you've stabbed it in close it'll just rotate the same as if the car was running so long as you keep the body in the same direction. Youll actually feel when it aligns to the oil pump as it'll want to drop straight down. The teeth never disengage so it's fine. Screwdriver works too. I've gotten it to go without either plenty of times too by just popping it up and down.
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