dumb distributor question... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Sinister · 08-15-2007, 02:30 PM

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 · 08-15-2007, 02:46 PM

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 · 08-15-2007, 03:07 PM

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 · 08-15-2007, 03:10 PM

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 · 08-15-2007, 03:21 PM

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

*Billla* · 08-15-2007, 04:19 PM

Quote:

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 · 08-15-2007, 04:44 PM

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 · 08-15-2007, 05:50 PM

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

2bits · 08-15-2007, 06:49 PM

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.

08-15-2007, 02:46 PM	#2
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: dumb distributor question... 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...

08-15-2007, 03:07 PM	#3
MrJohnWayne Shadetree Grease Monkey Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 17	Re: dumb distributor question... 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. __________________ John Wayne 2000 7.3 Powerstroke - It's big and it's fast 1978 K10 "Bonanza" - It's peppy 1980 Chevy Scottsdale - One of these days Soon to be project: 1968 C-10 CST

08-15-2007, 03:10 PM	#4
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: dumb distributor question... 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 __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-15-2007, 03:21 PM	#5
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: dumb distributor question... Thanks for the replies, I wanted to check first, it's been a while since I've turned any wrenches... __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

08-15-2007, 04:44 PM	#7
Nachos82 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Central Florida Posts: 166	Re: dumb distributor question... 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.

08-15-2007, 02:30 PM	#1
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	dumb distributor question... 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.? __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

08-15-2007, 05:50 PM	#8
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Re: dumb distributor question... CDowns, hit it on the head, yep yep That's how I do it!!! __________________ Alex 1971 Lil' Red 350 SBC 700R4

08-15-2007, 06:49 PM	#9
2bits Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 504	Re: dumb distributor question... 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. __________________ _______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club



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