Distributor install ??'s

[MUD_SPEC]

Distributor install ??\'s

OK, I'm about to install my HEI distributor out of my old engine into my rebuilt motor, my question is how do I line up everything correctly. I think it goes like this, make sure I have this right. Turn the motor until the mark on the harmonic balancer comes to the timing pointer right after the #1 intake valve closes, Now does the rotor need to be pointed at the #1 terminal in the distributor cap when I have the distributor seated in the motor at this point? If anyone can help me with a "Distributors for dummies" guide or know where to find this information (Haynes wasn't any help) PLEASE let me know. THANKS!!

 

[KRAZIE87K5]

Re: Distributor install ??\'s

You are correct so far. Problem - There are two places your engine can be when the balancer reads 0. To fix this, An easy way to tell is to pull the #1 spark plug (drivers side, closest to the front of the engine). Have a buddy turn the engine while you cover the hole in Cyl#1 with your finger. When you feel a push of air, and the balancer reads 0, that is when you drop the distributor in and point the rotor at the #1 slot in the cap. That is all there is to it. You may also want to get a timing light to get your timing perfect.

Questions? Write me back, or drop me an email. Good Luck!

<font color=red> Check out my truck @ </font color=red>
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://24.10.209.54/bigolk5.htm>http://24.10.209.54/bigolk5.htm</A>

 

[Grim-Reaper]

Re: Distributor install ??\'s

Ok well if the motor is just assmebled and has not been turned since the timming chain was installed then your going to be 180deg out. Spin the crank one time to get back to TDC. Remember the crank turns 2 times for every single turn of the cam. When you install the timming chain with the dots facing each other your not TDC. If the motor got spun do what Krazie said so you can be sure your on TDC. #1 is roughly 5 oclock looking down onthe distributor. If it is still installed on the old motor then the easy thing to do is spin that motor to TDC rotor pointing at 1 Use something common between the 2 motors to figure out what way the housing and rotor will be pointing. Pull it out and be very carefull not to spin the distributor. Now look down in the old motor and see what way the oil pump is turned and take a long screw driver and do the same with the new motor. Drop The Distributor back into the new engine and it should be the same.
Also don't forget to pre oil the motor by using a drill to spin the pump.

Diging it in the dirt with my K5's
Grim-Reaper
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://grimsk5s.coloradok5.com/>http://grimsk5s.coloradok5.com/</A>

 

[Emmettology 101]

Re: Distributor install ??\'s

What Krazie and Grim said is good.

One thing I would like to add is, you dont "have" to have the rotor pointing at the 5 o'clock/ towards cyl # 1.. You can have it pointing anywhere as long as you put the #1 plug wire on the cap where the rotor was pointing.

You could have the #1 wire back by the firewall if you like, just as long as you get the wires on the cap correct and the #1 wire where the rotor is pointing.

Mike - <A target="_blank" HREF=http://emmett.coloradok5.com>http://emmett.coloradok5.com</A>

 

[MUD_SPEC]

Re: Distributor install ??\'s

So, If I have the valve covers off and can see the #1 intake lift and close, it could still be 180 out?

 

[Emmettology 101]

Re: Distributor install ??\'s

No, I am just saying that as long as you get the # 1 valve where it is supposed to be and you drop in the distributor, the rotor doesn't have to point at the #1 cylinder... It can point anywhere as long as you put the #1 wire on the cap where the rotor is pointing.

Mike - <A target="_blank" HREF=http://emmett.coloradok5.com>http://emmett.coloradok5.com</A>

 

[MUD_SPEC]

Re: Distributor install ??\'s

but is that right that if I can see the #1 intake valve, It could still be 180 out?

 

[Emmettology 101]

Re: Distributor install ??\'s

I believe so.

Mike - <A target="_blank" HREF=http://emmett.coloradok5.com>http://emmett.coloradok5.com</A>

 

[Sparky]

Re: Distributor install ??\'s

Nope. If both the falves on the the #1 cylinder are closed (intake and exaust) then just drop the distributor in. If it does not start up right away, turn the distributor 1/16 of a turn or so either direction and try again. If it still does not work, go a little further or try the other direction untill it starts up.

When all else fails... Check the blinker fluid.
78 K-5

 

[Waxer]

Re: Distributor install ??\'s

Grim: what do you mean when the timing marks on the crank and cam gears are lined up the engine is NOT TDC? The new motor I got the timing marks are lined up and both valves on the #1 cylinder are closed so.... Please respond as I'm about to start this puppy up soon..... thanks

 

[MUD_SPEC]

Re: Distributor install ??\'s

ok, so after I see the # 1 intake close. I drop the distr in with the rotor pointing toward the #1 terminal and this can't be out 180 degrees?