Ok, I need some input so I know wether or not to keep arguing with my boss. Recently, we got into a debate about distributor position when installing. We were working on a non-Vette application but the principle applies to any chevy V-8 (and maybe others too). We couldn't get it to run quite right and while checking everything out he barked "well no wonder, they have the distributor off a tooth - look." I stated "well we have the timing set right so it shouldn't make a difference." This is when he jumped all over me and said "oh yes it does - I'll prove it." While he was on top the motor yanking the dist out to move it a tooth, we discussed the principle of how the distributor works and I tried to present my case about how he was "wasting his time." My train of thought was as long as the timing light flashes and shows the timing to be correct on #1, it shouldn't matter where the HEI was clocked. Couldn't convince him and he proceeded without ever giving me a "technical" reason. He just kept insisting "just wait and watch." Well, sure enough, fired it back up when done, reset the timing, and problem was solved.

So, my question is - why?? If anybody has input I would love to hear - either for or against his theory. I still can't see why it would make a difference. I've set up several cars with the distributor in the "wrong" position and didn't seem to have any trouble - but maybe there was trouble and it just didn't rear it's head as much. What do you all think? -Jeff

 

If your timing is set right it doesn't matter what tooth is engauged. The distributor is installed at about the 7:30 position on TDC piston one and rotor to the # 1 plug wire because of the oiling galley in the block.

 

It'll run perfect on any and EVERY tooth. As long as the rotor points at the proper wier at the proper time, the spark plug doesn't know or care where in the cap the wire is. Something else got jostled or changed when he re-indexed the distributor. Stick to your guns! Bear in mind: "The boss my not always be right, but the boss is still the boss." I'd hate for you to end up as the valet in the used car dept. Good luck.

 

Yep, yep.

Doesn't matter. In fact we sometimes put the #1 wire in a very unconventional position to allow better access to time the engine.

#1: Engine doesn't know, and doesn't care which tooth is engaged or where on the cap the #1 wire is plugged in. You can plug the #1 wire anywhere, just as long as the remaining wires are in the proper sequence depending on the engine rotation firing order and that the rotor is pointing at the #1 wire when the piston is at TDC on the compression stroke.

This "one tooth off" business is just one of the many myths floating around. What really happens is that the rotor is incorrectly positioned in relation to the #1 plug wire and, so, you have to move the rotor one distributor gear tooth to correct the positioning.

I guess "one tooth off" kinda rolls off the tongue, so guys continue to use it.

Jake

 

I think it's 18carfan's boss, that's "one tooth off". Don't anybody tell him I said that. I don't want to end up as the valet in the used car dept.

 

Great. Thanks alot. For a minute there I totally forgot we had a used car dept. and it felt good. :)

Seriously though, I've got to find a way to prove I'm right. Guess it doesn't matter though - he's one of those "old school" types that no matter what kind of proof I come up with, he'll never buy it. Guess I was just looking for some input to make sure I wasn't the "stubborn" one. -Jeff

 

Hey, just print out our comments and give them to him. That way the monkey's on our backs. "Here's what the Forum guys say."

Jake

 

Only 2 rulles to that one.
Rule #1 your boss is always right
Rule #2 if he's not right, look at the rule #1


This will at least keep you out of trouble.
We still need your great service and parts at the price$ that no one can touch.

Ziggy

 

If it helps keep our prices low, then I think your boss is right :D .

 

My distributor is actually off by 2 teeth. It should be turned 2 more teeth clockwise. The only difference we did do was move each plug wire one spot coutnerclockwise to make it easier to time. But ya' know what... she runs hard and smooth at 9.5 degrees BTDC.


[Modified by scorp508, 7:44 PM 4/1/2002]