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| | | | Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 46 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 46 | Hi All
I searched and came up empty (which could just mean I didn't do it right) but does anyone have any 'tricks' they could pass on to me on how to install a distributor? I've tried and tried and finally threw in the towel (for now anyway). I just can't seem to get the oil pump tab on the distributor to line up with the slot. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks Kevin | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | The rotor will turn some as the gears engage so you have to anticipate where it will turn from in order to set the tang to tthe correct angle. I like to turn it ninety degress to the slot, push down and then observe where the distributor is sitting height wise. Then I know it will drop another half inch when the slot is engaged. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,094 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,094 | The gear on the end of the dist. turns as it is engageing with the camshaft. So, look at the dist. so you can see where you are going to put # 1 and see where the end of the dist shaft is, Then look down in the block and try to line up the oil pump with that, keeping in mind the dist will turn as it engages the cam gear.
There is another way, you install dist where you want #1, and while holding slight pressure downward on the dist., have a helper turn the engine over and when the dist and oil pump line up the dist will fall down in place. Then tighten clamp and check timing. Either way is not hard to do, just need to feel confidant while you're doing it.
Tommy
59 apache 1/2t
261 short stepside
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 899 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 899 | The oil pump slot can also be turned with a long screwdriver. As noted above the rotor moves (ccw I believe) as the distributor drops into place so you have to image where the end of the shaft will engage the oil pump.
Ed
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | Yes I left out the important detail! You anticipate what the angle will be when the slot is engaged and then with a screwdriver, rotate the pump accordingly. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 | As mentioned you do have to line up the oil pump with where the distributor will end up. A flashlight and a long common screwdriver are what I use. Use the rotor to help you gauge where the shaft will turn and turn the pump to match. When it fits in you will wonder what the fuss was all about.
Steve H
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 46 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 46 | Thank you all for your suggestions, I will try again this coming weekend and let you know. | | |
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