distributor is driving me crazy little help please.

[djmakko]

On my other post, i was having issues with thunderbolt IV ignition module, found a delco electronic to replace the whole ignition system, when i took the distributor out of motor the rotor was pointing to number one spark plug or piston , I put a mark where was pointing, now I'm trying to put it back but every time slide in to the hole the rotor points to the middle of the engine, I've tried to go back one notch but then wont go in all the way , I inserted with the rotor pointing to the # 1 and still moves to the middle Am I doing it wrong , did i messes up the timing already? what can i do ?please direct me to the right direction.
Mercruiser 5.7 350 alpha one

 

[84EdH]

Re: distributor is driving me crazy little help please.

first, you dont aim the rotor at the #1 piston or spark plug. you aim the rotor at the plug wire at the distributor that goes to #1 piston while at top dead center. then you put each plug wire in sequence with your firing order in a clock wise direction.
you have to align the oil pump shaft to the bottom of the distributor shaft for the distributor to set down all the way. do it like this: set your engine to #1 top dead center (how to in adults only section at top of forum). figure out where to set the distributor to have the rotor point at the #1 plug wire. (you have seen by now, the rotor turns clockwise some as you set the distributor down in, so set the rotor aiming a little counterclock to the actual point you want it end up). once you know where you want the distributor and rotor, look at the bottom of the distributor to see where the the little tab that fits into the oil pump shaft is pointed. now you have to get a long screwdriver and reach down into the distributor hole and turn the oil pump shaft slot to line up with the tab on the bottom of the distributor. its takes a few trys but youll get it!~

 

[84EdH]

Re: distributor is driving me crazy little help please.

the info for #1 top dead center is in the "Must Have" Info at top of forum, not adults only section.

 

[my86seville]

Re: distributor is driving me crazy little help please.

Pull #1 plug, pull the coil wire. Stick a finger down on the hole at #1. Have someone turn the engine over using short spurts until compression pushes against your finger. That tells you engine is TDC on #1 ck timing mark to be sure. Drop dist. in with rotor pointing to where the #1 wire will be. don't worry about dist. not going all the way in at this point. Once your sure you have rotor pointing to #1 wire put a little down pressure on the dist. and again have someone hit the starter. the dist will fall into the oil pump slot. now sit the cap in place and mark the side of the dist where #1 wire is. Remove cap and place your finger again in #1 hole, have someone hit and hold the starter this time. Every time the compression pushes your finger away from hole the rotor should be pointing to the mark on the side of the dist that you made. If not pull dist and start over.

 

[littlebookworm]

Re: distributor is driving me crazy little help please.

Both ways of lining up the diustributor and the oil pump drive are correct. Use whichever way you want. Once you get it in, put the clamp on and snug it down. Then set your base timing as described in the manual and lock the distributor down by tightening the bolt on the clamp. Check for proper advance and you should be good to go. Hy

 

[djmakko]

Re: distributor is driving me crazy little help please.

Thanks guys , finally got it, now i need to borrow a timing light and set the timing,

 

[Capn G]

Re: distributor is driving me crazy little help please.

Buy yourself a vaccum gauge and piece of rubber hose from the parts store, plug it into to your manifold vaccum port and turn your distributor til you get about 18-22 inches of vaccum... lock down the distributor and hang on ..... she'll fly....