Install distributor before installing motor and tranny back into the truck or after??

[UATahoe]

Round two i guess. LOL. I appreciated the info on the headers last week. Now i am curious if i should go ahead and install all the plugs, wires, and distributor before i install the motor or if i should wait until after? I know it would be super easy to do right now but i also dont want to bust the distributor during the install. Thoughts?

[Rubble]

Usually I leave dist. installed & just remove cap& rotor.Seems to work for me,just be careful not to hit it on way in.
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[79Betty]

It's either or. First motor i put in i left it out because i primed it in the truck. 2nd i put it in before as i primed before i put it in and i liked this method better.
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[UATahoe]

What all is involved in priming the motor? I really would like to do it all out of the truck. Just seems a lot easier, just dont want to break anything going in. I did leave everything on to take it out but i know its different when installing.

[79Betty]

IIRC you fill it with oil (prefferably with te intake off to make it easier lol) pit a screwdriver in a drill and spin the oil pump shaft until you get oil out the push rods and lifters... That's if IIRC.
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[Dead Parrot]

Many parts places have a loaner priming tool. If you will have several sets of eyeballs when you install the motor, you probably can pre-install the distributor. Keep in mind, any time saved pre-installing stuff is lost if it gets busted while guiding several hundred pounds of motor and transmission into place. I wouldn't put the new plugs on, too easy to crack one and not notice. I would put an old set in place to keep stuff out of the motor. I did put the starter on first when I did my engine swap.

[wyattglock]

If you have an old distributor laying around that you are never going to use again, you can adapt that to a drill and make your own priming tool. That is one of those things that you will never get rid of once you have one!

[motornut]

i usally leave it in
i have an old set of plugs,or if replacing the plugs snap off tips for in/out
and rubber pool plugs for the hoses

[xrcr]

I Leave it out.Set TDC before it goes in. Prime in truck. always prime in or out

[rfmaster]

I TDC distributor before lifting engine into the engine bay. Tape distributor hole with masking tape to prevent crud (foreign material) from getting into engine during install. Prime engine, install dizzy right away, and fire it on. Do all of this in about 5 to 10 minutes max - before oil drains from oil gulleys. When done right away - you get almost instant oil pressure, which is the key during initial fire-up.

Good luck

//RF

[UATahoe]

I think i may go that route. Find TDC first, then install motor and transmission. After i get everything bolted up and ready, then prime and install distributor. That may be the easiest route. The hood is off so shouldnt be an issue getting to everything hopefully.

[88Jimmy4x4]

Originally Posted by UATahoe

I think i may go that route. Find TDC first, then install motor and transmission. After i get everything bolted up and ready, then prime and install distributor. That may be the easiest route. The hood is off so shouldnt be an issue getting to everything hopefully.

yup thats the proper way to do it

[LynnJr]

I would install the plugs and leave the rest off as your likely to damage it on accident.

I would also get two pieces of 3/8 inch threaded stock or all thread about 6 inches and some washers and nuts.You can put that in the blocks lowest two holes one on each side.When you get the engine lowered in a bit these will go into the bellhousing and keep things all lined up.

[UATahoe]

The engine and transmission are already bolted up. I will be lowering it in together.
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[LynnJr]

Thats the way most shops do it as well.I just don't like cutting my exhaust off to put them in and I don't like tranny fluid spilling out either.
Yes I have the little plastic splined thingy that fits into the tailshaft to prevent it from spilling but it has never worked for me.

[UATahoe]

Lucky for me he tranny is empty since the rebuild. Will go in empty and then after. Lol
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