Distributor pull and replace questions

[Ewhitaker0020]

I got my distributor back in. I ended up having to use a long screwdriver to rotate the oil pump shaft. It's facing a little closer to the center of the engine that cylinder #1, but I looked at the marking on the harmonic balancer and it's rotated slightly past the TDC mark, so it should be good.

 

[chengny]

I got my distributor back in. I ended udvaance p having to use a long screwdriver to rotate the oil pump shaft. It's facing a little closer to the center of the engine that cylinder #1, but I looked at the marking on the harmonic balancer and it's rotated slightly past the TDC mark, so it should be good.

The oil pump drive shaft isn't part of the timing equation - its just along for the ride. The only reason I mentioned it is because it sucks when you take the time to get your cam and distributor gears all lined up in the proper relation - and then you go to stab but you cannot get the distributor to mate with the oil pump shaft.

Also, it doesn't matter how the distributor is oriented. It can be indexed in any direction - as long as the rotor is lined up with the #1 post when the timing marks are at or near TDC. With these vehicles however, it does become an issue. But that's only due to the limited clearance. The vacuum advance actuator can restrict timing adjustment.

 

[rt66paul]

You will still need to put a timing light on it, it should run well enough to drive it to the light if that is what you need to do.

 

[Rick Dobbins]

As you've likely found out, the distributor rotor 'twists' when you attempt to install it, then stops short of going all the way in. It never lines up with the oil pump drive shaft. The easiest way to get it back in: you made a mark where the rotor pointed to, right? Put the dist in with the rotor pointing an inch from the spot (it will stop cuz of the pump shaft), then crank the engine for half a second and it will drop right in. Then spin the dist to the timing mark. You'll be right on! I may take a couple times to get the rotor pointing to where you want it, but you'll get it.

 

[AuroraGirl]

I got lucky and it dropped right in where I took it out with no hassle.