Help For the mechanically challenged

[cojnit]

I need to fix my HEI. I read a bunch of stuff from searching, but I was in way over my head.

I want to make sure I get the thing installed correctly, what should I be marking and referencing to make the new one go in and start right up?


thanks in advance

[diggin69]

make sure it is at top dead center then put dizzy in with vacum pointed to #8 then point rotor to #1 drop in if it back fires through the carb it might be 180 out pull dizzy up turn rotor to were it points the oposit way this should get it then move your dizzy to time correctly.........if I left somthing out sombody will set me staight....lol

[cojnit]

what the heck is a dizzy?

[acloco]

Have you removed the distributor yet? If not...

1. remove cap from distributor, noting location of #1 cylinder plug wire on cap-use a sharpie pen on the distributor base or scratch mark. REMOVE the BAT, TACH, & ignition module wires from cap - coil WILL fire if they are not.
2. rotate engine, until timing mark is at TDC and rotor is pointing to #1 plug location on cap. note which way distributor turns-clockwise as viewed looking down at rotor.
3. remove distributor, replace your parts as needed...
4. install distributor - note -turn rotor back (counterclockwise) approximately 3/4".....because the distributor gear and can gear for distributor drive are helical cut like this /////
5. You might have to rotate the engine until the bottom of the distributor engages the oil pump drive shaft.......if so..no problem, rotate the engine until #1 is at TDC & timing mark is at 0. If rotor points to #1 cylinder mark on distributor housing....you are good to go. rotate engine to 8 or 10 BTDC....install your cap, wires, etc...and fire it up. Check timing after engine is started. GOOD LUCK!

[bigskiohio]

put # 1 piston on compression stroke ,put thumb over spark hole, when you feel pressure stop. then turn balancer to "0" on balancer indicator. motor ready.
now on dist pick out #1 cyl. tower on cap. scribe scratch or mark on aluminum body of dist. right below that. take off dist. cap ,now when you drop in dist. you want rotor pointing at that mark. if dist. does not go down all the way turn motor by hand till it drops and engages oil pump drive. point vac cannister at front right of engine should be good to start. dont forget dist. clamp.

[70ChevyLongbed]

Originally posted by cojnit
what the heck is a dizzy?

You prolly know this already...

dizzy = Distributor (or HEI)

Good luck Bra!