Removing/installing the distributor?

[Mudflat]

Can you remove the distributor, specifically a HEI distributor with engine still in the truck, 69 C10? Install a distributor while engine is in truck?

[Metaldoc]

I can take out my HEI dissy no problem with the engine still in. Just mark the rotor direction before with tape or a marker on a none removed area.

[HO455]

Small block 2wd in the factory location not a problem. Mine looks like this and has been out several times.

[Steeveedee]

I managed to remove the stock distributor and install an HEI in my truck, with a factory original BBC 400. You should not have a problem. As has been mentioned, make certain to keep your timing close.

[dmjlambert]

Related question please. I have seen mention on several threads people concerned about problems with the engine running could be caused by re-installing the distributor one or two gear teeth off. I don't see how that could be a problem because any amount off, even if you intentionally make it way off, as long as you can start the engine shouldn't you be able to just adjust the timing back to optimum? Does it really matter where the distributor's #1 terminal points, other than to get you in the general area of timing so it is convenient to dial in final timing?

[57larry]

yes, take cap off first

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

Related question please. I have seen mention on several threads people concerned about problems with the engine running could be caused by re-installing the distributor one or two gear teeth off. I don't see how that could be a problem because any amount off, even if you intentionally make it way off, as long as you can start the engine shouldn't you be able to just adjust the timing back to optimum? Does it really matter where the distributor's #1 terminal points, other than to get you in the general area of timing so it is convenient to dial in final timing?

It’s not a problem, just an uninformed excuse.
People don’t understand timing.
You can point the rotor at any terminal that has #1 plug on it.
Only limiting factor is you need enough room to rotate the distributor enough to advance or retard it.

[Metaldoc]

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

Related question please. I have seen mention on several threads people concerned about problems with the engine running could be caused by re-installing the distributor one or two gear teeth off. I don't see how that could be a problem because any amount off, even if you intentionally make it way off, as long as you can start the engine shouldn't you be able to just adjust the timing back to optimum? Does it really matter where the distributor's #1 terminal points, other than to get you in the general area of timing so it is convenient to dial in final timing?

One tooth is almost like moving the firing order ahead or behind. With the dissy in ahead by one tooth you will need re-clock it. IE. moving the vacuum advance clockwise from 7:00 O-clock to 8:30 9:00. If you catch my drift looking down on a clock. This means hitting the fire wall or the carb to get timing right. So it's best to reinstall it in the same spot.

[dmjlambert]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

It’s not a problem, just an uninformed excuse.
People don’t understand timing.
You can point the rotor at any terminal that has #1 plug on it.
Only limiting factor is you need enough room to rotate the distributor enough to advance or retard it.

I kind of thought that would be the case. Is there such a thing as installing 180 degrees out and that being a problem? I see mentions of that as well.

[Metaldoc]

Only when top dead center is set on the exhaust stroke. If you don't rotate your engine that can't happen 180 out.

[dmjlambert]

Thanks, so obstructions such as the vacuum advance getting in the way and preventing proper timing adjustment is really the concern. Is it better to turn the engine by hand to get the oil pump to engage and distributor to fully seat, or is just as good to bump the engine with the starter?

[geezer#99]

Some people poke a long screwdriver down inside to rotate the oil pump tang, some just bump the starter until the dizzy drops in place.

[Metaldoc]

I wouldn't rotate the engine, use a long flat head screw driver to rotate the oil pump shaft.

[geezer#99]

Easier to rotate the engine!
All the dizzy does is drop into the tang/slot.
Doesn’t change the timing position any.

[Mudflat]

Thanks!