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| | | | Joined: Sep 2016 Posts: 15 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Sep 2016 Posts: 15 | I removed my GM HEI distributor out of my 54 3100 1/2 ton. Unfortunately I just pulled it out and didn't set anything. Can someone tell me if i need to and how to get the motor to TDC. Anything else I need to do besides set the timing? Any ideas on how much vacuum advance? 261 with an ISKY cam, Fenton header, Holley 4 barrel carb, thanks so much.
Last edited by Mariano; 11/17/2016 4:53 AM.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | If you are by yourself, take a grass straw(oats work well) or broom straw, stick in spark plug hole so it rests on top of piston, then you can turn #1 'til the straw stops moving at top with both valves closed, find #1 plug lead and put the rotor pointing at it, insert in engine, as you insert the distr., the gears will rotate, make sure when fully inserted, rotor points to #1. The oil pump is driven by tip on shaft, looks like slot screwdriver, so, if distr. won't go down all the way, turn the engine while gently pushing down 'til the distr. drops in, it will be flush with the engine casting then. That slot that drives the oil pump is also useful for pre-oiling an engine with an electric drill and a home made shaft.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,198 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,198 | To find TDC with a helper near by, hold your thumb over #1 spark plug hole and have your helper crank the engine. When you feel compression, stop. Now stick the straw in the hole and slowly bring the engine up to TDC watching the straw and timing marks. Then follow Ed's instructions. This will save you the time of pulling the valve cover. If you have bump starter switch, you can do it by yourself.
You should have 17 to 20 inches of vacuum, the cam is the only item you listed that will effect vacuum.
Joe | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | When I do not have a helper around (or a straw), I use a plug/cork in the #1 spark plug hole. Be careful - it shoots out when you reach #1 cylinder compression/firing stroke. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2016 Posts: 15 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Sep 2016 Posts: 15 | thanks very much guys. appreciate all the help. | | |
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