LFZ

I got the engine on TDC, and lined up the oil pump, lined up my distributor shaft, got the rotor button pointing towards the front of the motor so that it will be on the #1 tower on the cap...It feels like it falls in, but theres about a 1/4" gap between the the intake and the rest of the distributor. I ran this distributor on my old 350/300hp with no problems; however, it is the old school style Accel points with tach drive. I'm also running a victor jr. intake on the new engine. Do i need a new distributor?
Thanks, Herb

79VetteMike

Take the distributor out and take a long screwdriver and turn the oil pump shaft a little at a time until it lines up-slowly turning the cap of the distributor as you drop it in. The distributor has to mate up with the slot in the oil pump shaft.

jdmick

Keep wiggling and it will fall down.

john1977

is the rotor button pointing toward #1 cylinder, dont worry about #1 post on dist. cap. If oil pump is lined up and rotor button contact is pointing toward #1 cyl. it should drop all the way in. Sounds like it is still not lined up with the pump.

Cali,68,L-79

GDaina

Why go through all of that? just put the car in gear and bump it...the crank will rotate, and the slot on the pump and distributor will line up and fall into place...

79VetteMike

Sorry for helping the guy out....

79ls1

He's right. Don't know about having the car in gear though. Just have to be careful not to let the dist climb back out until it seats, if it does, ur screwed and have to start all over.

SHAKERATTLEROLL

I do not think that Daina was trying to be mean just there is more than one way to skin a cat lol.

Yes you can do it by the book by bringing to no1 then set the oil pump shaft to correspond with the distributor when you install then set the timing.

Or you can do as Daina said but the chance is greater that the distributor will not drop in at the book correct location there fore you will maybe have to move the no1 spark plus wire over one and then time.

And if you have the room you can put the Distributor in anywhere and set no1 piston at TDC and put the spark plug wire on the distributor wherever it is pointing and the time.

codestar7

Hey , ..the flat blade fits in a slot, you got a 50 / 50 shot. And if it don't start the first time, it will the second.

Larry B.

That's the easy way.... Done that forever... Simple solutions aren't always obvious though.

djcwardog

I just move the slot a little with a long screw driver and then mine falls all the way in. I don't think you need a new distributor - just finesse the oil pump shaft and you'll get it to drop in...

I learned something new here though - I like the idea of bumping the car. I've never tried that one, maybe next time I have to pull the distr...

redc3

i would never do it that way! you got your dist. gear laying on the cam gear and your gonna turn the engine???? it might work but at what cost to the gears???? just use the screwdriver method, and jiggle your rotor. if its not lined up start over and move oil pump slot over more and try again. dont worry to much about keeping your rotor at the exact position. while its real important, you could install it backwards and it would run if you moved the wires on the cap. of course we dont want to do that but im just saying

LFZ

The distributor feels like its bottomed out. I have the oil pump shaft, and the distributor shaft lined up...but theres just a small gap, for some reason, it won't fall fully on the intake.

79VetteMike

Are you twisting it? Hold the base, jiggleing it back and forth while twisting the rotor clockwise.

LFZ

I will go try that.

bobs77vet

for whats its worth....my local speed shop has a bushing/washer/shim that is made for that exact purpose.....i don't know all of the reasons for it..... but if they make a part it must have some sort of purpose....dosen't jegs and summit sell this also?

LFZ

FINALLY! this method worked! Thanks Mike...its on..and thanks for everyone's help! Beers on me

79VetteMike

That's to make sure the gears are lined up center to center. The distributor will go all the way past the cam if inserted correctly and long enough.

bobs77vet

then it doesn't sound like its right for this application....