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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 257
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Shop Shark
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So now I'm installing my distributor and setting it to TDC on #1 piston. I have extensively researched this procedure and for the most part I think I'm going in the right direction. I rotated the flywheel till #1's rockers are stationary ( compression cycle ) and #6's are in the exhaust/intake cycle. So now is the time to install the distributor. My question is this: I have looked at several pictures of my eras engine ( '58-'62 235 block and 848 head ) and the distributor cap's #1 is either pointing at 6:00 or 5:00 position in these pictures. Does it make a difference? When I installed mine I had no problems getting it to seat properly, the rotor is even sitting on the lobe and the point's contacts are opened. Freshly rebuilt engine, not fired yet.
Here is a pic
http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff441/AZ59apacheguy/IMG_0997.jpg
Here is the procedure I used
http://www.speedprint.com/deves50/doc/enginetiming.pdf

Last edited by AZ59apacheguy; 01/12/2012 4:17 AM.
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1
Wrench Fetcher
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As long as the rotor is contacting the number one terminal on the cap i dont see where it would matter.. Mine is around 11:00 I think.. You can loosen the clamp on the bottom and fine tune it. Here is a link out of the service manual for installation

Distributor Installation

Last edited by 1953redchevy; 01/12/2012 3:56 AM.

Daniel

1953 Chevrolet 3800 Stepside

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The points should be just barely open, not on the high point of the lobe. It doesn't matter where the rotor is pointing, as long as you use that position for the #1 cylinder plug wire. Follow clockwise with cylinders 5-3-6-2-4 and the engine should run.

Why are you putting that butt-ugly, rusty distributor on that nice-looking new engine? Clean it up!
Jerry


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Ha ha, I'm not going to use it in that condition, only using it get things set up :-)
Thanks for the info

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Hey Pete, be sure to shout out when you get that baby cranked! We're rootin' for ya!
I'll have to wait till I get home to see the picture of your engine (the company filter system doesn't allow).
I'm anxious to see it!
Hey! don't forget to clean-up that "butt-ugly, rusty distributor"! ha...
Jerry W.


1959 Chevy Apache 3200 Stepside
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'Bolter
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like already said it doesnt matter where you put it as long as everythiing else is in place. i like to have my dist orientated so that the cap clips are in line with the block and the rotor points to the passenger fender. i found that with three trucks its better to have everything the same then having to guess where's #1 when the cap is off just like in the your link.


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