HEI distributor

D

dgmgohl

Member
I just got back my 352 from being rebuilt. It's in a 1965 full size Custom. My question is, since I haven't worked with a HEI before, is the timing setting suppose to be set right at TDC? That's where its set now. It was easy enough on older distributors to turn them when setting the timing. I don't want to mess with this HEI until I know what I'm doing. I've read that the timing on this model should be set at 10-12 above TDC. Need some help here. Thanks.
 
I'm not sure about that. After loosening the plate that holds it in place, the car running, the distributor will not move like the old originals.
 
Then I guess you’ve better give us the specs on the distributor you’re using. I’ve never seen an FE replacement distributor that was fixed in place. Stuck, yes. It’s not unknown for replacements to be lacking a bit in machining tolerances, how hard was it to put in?
 
yes, I know where it should be set. But the HEI distributor doesn't move when the car is running. That's the part I'm having a problem with.
 
When the intake manifold is installed on an FE, it's best to install the distributor while the bolts are tightened. This aligns the shaft and housing with the intake and oil pump drive, and helps with binding. Perhaps this wasn't done. That dist has to turn to set timing. Have you tried a channel lock plier on the housing? Not ideal, and will leave marks, but moderate pressure might show how tight it is. This REALLY should have been checked by the assembler.
 
Have you tried a channel lock plier on the housing? Not ideal, and will leave marks, ...
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:eek:​

Not even a CHI-CON SLOPPY COPY HEI (BOW-TIE) DIST should be subjected to that.

Try and turn (gently) with an oil filter wrench around the bowl (cap removed).

Like said, it is either misaligned (was it just a straight swap?) or machining tolerance/o-ring isn't right (grease the o-ring - anti-seize).

Wait until you try to put the ACL on ... :rolleyes:
 
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dgmgohl said:
I just got back my 352 from being rebuilt. It's in a 1965 full size Custom. My question is, since I haven't worked with a HEI before, is the timing setting suppose to be set right at TDC? That's where its set now. It was easy enough on older distributors to turn them when setting the timing. I don't want to mess with this HEI until I know what I'm doing. I've read that the timing on this model should be set at 10-12 above TDC. Need some help here. Thanks.
Click to expand...

By HEI do you mean some kind of aftermarket conversion of a Chevy unit? There is no need for that. Ford Dura Spark (their electronic ignition) came out in 1975. 360 and 390 engines (same block as 352) were used through 1976. So you can get an all Ford OEM drop-in electronic ignition.
 
Found the problem. A friend suggested that I take a rubber mallet and tap lightly on the distributor shaft. That did the trick. Now loose, I can set timing. Engine was just re-built, for some reason the HEI was stuck.
 
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