dumb distributor question...

[Sinister]

Just picked up an HEI distributor for my truck. Would it be possible to mark the the #1 cylinder on the old dizzy, pull the cap, and bump the starter until the rotor is pointing to the #1? Or do I have to pull the #1 plug, bump the starter until I feel the compression, put in a piston stop, and rotate the motor by the flex plate, mark the balancer, etc.?

[68gmsee]

I've always removed the #1 plug to make sure it's tdc on the compression stroke. Old habit.

But maybe it's not necessary. Maybe someone else can chime in...

[MrJohnWayne]

easy way. remove the distributor cap. line up #1 cylinder to timing mark. remove old distributor, install new. I've done it that way several times with no problems.

[cdowns]

when changing distributors i've just removed the cap marked where the rotor was pointing and put new distributor in with the rotor pointing in the same place, makes no difference which of the 8cylinders its pointing at as long as you keep the same firing order on the cap// as long as you put it back in the same position with same terminal sequance it will be in time

[Sinister]

Thanks for the replies, I wanted to check first, it's been a while since I've turned any wrenches...

[Billla]

Originally Posted by cdowns

when changing distributors i've just removed the cap marked where the rotor was pointing and put new distributor in with the rotor pointing in the same place, makes no difference which of the 8cylinders its pointing at as long as you keep the same firing order on the cap// as long as you put it back in the same position with same terminal sequance it will be in time

, although personally I do find it easier to set up for TDC compression #1.

[Nachos82]

I do mine just like cdowns suggested. I have put quite a few in wrong since I didn't remember what location the rotor was pointing. If you do it this way, check and double check where it points and write it down. I always want to, but think I can remember but never do.

[ChevyDude]

CDowns, hit it on the head, yep yep That's how I do it!!!

[2bits]

Yeah, I just pull it out and put it back to where it was, BUT remember that when you put it back in it will move over one tooth, so you can't just put it back in and be done. You will need to put it in and pull it out a bunch of times to walk/step it around back to the original location, or even better get a flathead screwdriver and stick it down in the hold and turn the oil pump back a bit so it will sit down in the correct position the first time.