distributor removal

[mjck5]

quick question for you guys, im replacing a bad intake manifold gasket(at least i hope thats the problem) my question is how important is it to have the distributor at tdc? or do you just have to make sure it goes in in the same position it came out?
advice is allways appreciated

 

[TotalyHucked]

Not necessarily TDC but it's vital the dizzy goes back in the same spot it came out. If not, then you have to start back at TDC and set timing again starting from zero.

 

[85K304SPD]

It makes it easier to put back together. Like Hucked said, that is a good thing to start with, before you pull the distributor, put it on TDC, or at least real close.

 

[75gmck25]

You can use a marker on the edge of the distributor housing to mark exactly where the rotor points after you remove the cap. Then line up the same mark when you reinstall. This will put it back on the same timing when you reinstall and clamp down the distributor.

 

[82sbshortbed]

^^this is what I did and no problems with timing.

 

[Ricko1966]

I always point the distributor rotor at the firewall by turning the engine by hand, make a reference mark where the vacuum advance nipple is pointing,remove and replace. Make sure the rotor is pointed at the firewall and the vacuum advance is pointed where your reference is when reinstalling. Since you are reusing the manifold a reference mark at the distributor base and manifold surface will do great. The way I do them and have for decades 1985ish,anyway I can walk up and put a distributor or manifold or both,swap a different manifold,distributor or both,etc. Finish 5 years later doesn't matter. I know where it all goes.