Distributor related question...
 

Since I got a lot of help on my electrical nightmare I figured I'd ask another one :) I want to pull apart the top portion of the engine and install new gaskets, and also get the intake back to aluminum vs it's current peeling orange paint. I know I have to pull the distributor(HEI from PO) in order to remove the intake...

My question is this: Can I yank it as one whole unit and just reinstall it without having to deal with all the finding TDC fun stuff? My goal here is simply to get rid of the crap paint job and put in new valve cover intake and carb gaskets. I just don't want to have to re-time the whole motor in the process. :)

Any help is again appreciated!

Re: Distributor related question...
 

No, you will have to pull the cap to get the rotor in the correct position.

Re: Distributor related question...
 

Figured as much but was hoping something would go easy today...

Thanks :)

Re: Distributor related question...
 

It is not that hard. You have to do two things once the distributor cap is pulled.

1. Mark the position of the distributor body near the base in relation to the intake manifold.

2.
Mark the position of the ignition rotor in relation to the distributor body.

Reverse procedure for installation.

Loosen the dist clamp with a 9/16 wrench and slide it back. Wiggle the distributor back and forth using the vacuum advance as you pull up on the distributor body.

NOTE: the position of the ign rotor will change due to the spiral on the dist gear. Remember this for reassembly.

NOTE II : DO NOT CRANK OR TURN THE ENGINE AT ALL WHILE THE DIST IS REMOVED.

OK, more than two things but you get the idea.

Re: Distributor related question...
 

Now thats what I was wanting. Was hoping I could just mark it and be ok. Really didn't want to have to go through finding tdc and trying to turn this motor... I'm not that strong :) lmao

Re: Distributor related question...
 

X2
When i do it I point the rotor straight ahead and measure from the hose nipple on the vac pot to a non moving mark on the flrewall. A bolt on the flrewall works.

Re: Distributor related question...
 

You really need to re-time it after the intake replacement. I would roll it around to TDC on the balancer before you take it apart just in case. Then mark the position of the rotor so it will go back and start. Then you need to time it with a light. The new distributor gasket could change it a degree or so.