Dist reinstall order

[1930artdeco]

Ok, I have the engine at TDC right now (both valves are closed and it says TDC on the damper). I have a Ford O in her and want to verify my dist. reinstall order.

1) according to the manual, an auto should be 6* BTDC. So I need to rotate the engine over with the starter and then by hand to that mark.
2) once there instal the distributor and make sure it is on #1 and it engages the oil pump drive shaft.
3) clamp it down and reinstall the cap and wires.

Is this correct? What is the best way to get the dist. in on the correct tooth? She is a brand new engine so rotating by hand is going to be a pain.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[paul2748]

Looks good to me - that's how I would do it. Basically it is a trial and error situation. Put it in, see if the rotor lines up with #1 on the cap. If not, lift it out, move it either back or forward until it does. Sometimes, it's a ***** to get the distributor on the drive for the oil pump so you have to rotate the drive a little at a time (use a 1/4 " drive, 1/4 deep socket taped to an extension). Be patient, it eventually will fall into the correct place.


Also make sure the vacuum canister is located is such a position that you can rotate the distributor both ways to adjust initial timing.

Ok, I have the engine at TDC right now (both valves are closed and it says TDC on the damper). I have a Ford O in her and want to verify my dist. reinstall order.

1) according to the manual, an auto should be 6* BTDC. So I need to rotate the engine over with the starter and then by hand to that mark.
2) once there instal the distributor and make sure it is on #1 and it engages the oil pump drive shaft.
3) clamp it down and reinstall the cap and wires.

Is this correct? What is the best way to get the dist. in on the correct tooth? She is a brand new engine so rotating by hand is going to be a pain.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[1930artdeco]

Good to know. I have a target date of 8 July to fire her up for the first time in 40 years.

 

[scicala]

Ok, I have the engine at TDC right now (both valves are closed and it says TDC on the damper). I have a Ford O in her and want to verify my dist. reinstall order.

1) according to the manual, an auto should be 6* BTDC. So I need to rotate the engine over with the starter and then by hand to that mark.
2) once there instal the distributor and make sure it is on #1 and it engages the oil pump drive shaft.
3) clamp it down and reinstall the cap and wires.

Is this correct? What is the best way to get the dist. in on the correct tooth? She is a brand new engine so rotating by hand is going to be a pain.

Thanks,

Mike

You said the engine is now at TDC with both valves closed on #1 cylinder. If you rotate the engine with the starter until 6 degres BTDC shows up again, you will be 180 degrees out of time.
If it were me, I would roate the engine backwards with a socket on the balance center bolt, to a few degrees beyond the 6 degree BTDC mark, then slowly rotate the crankshaft clockwise until you come to 6 degrees again.

Sal

 

[dmsfrr]

... She is a brand new engine so rotating by hand is going to be a pain.
Thanks,
Mike

IF you need to turn the engine over more easily you can remove the spark plugs first, until you're closer to trying to start it.

...Also make sure the vacuum canister is located is such a position that you can rotate the distributor both ways to adjust initial timing.

Note the position of the distributor in this first diagram. The vacuum canister will point toward cyl # 7 or 8 on the left side of the block.

 

[1930artdeco]

OK, turned her over and I got her between 5-6* (probably closer to 5) BTDC. Installed the dist. and I think she is a tad retarded. But I should be able to adjust that out of her when I get her running. IS this good or should I pull it out and try and get her closer to 6-7*?




Mike

 

[cadillac512]

That looks pretty good. If you turn the body of the distributor clockwise while watching the points, when they just begin to open tighten down the dist bolt. That way it'll fire right where you now have the timing marks set.



Terry

 

[cos]

Can not see which direction vacuum canister is pointed. But looks like is not pointed at 7 or 8 eight cylinders like mentioned above.

 

[1930artdeco]

The vacuum canister is pointed towards #7 now but may be moved more towards #8 in the end.

 

[miker98038]

I hadn’t seen this before, but it’s from Tim’s site. Says pretty much the same as above, but still worth a look. I think from what you’ve said above you’re fine.

http://yblockguy.com/techtips/QandA.html