Reinstalling a distributor

[356robo]

OK. I screwed up. I was rushing and pulled my distributor to install new clips. Being an ex 356 guy, I thought the distributor could only go in one way.

To reinstall, I set the pulley at TDC on #1 cyl. I then put the distributor in with the rotor pointing at the mark on the distributor indicating #1.

When I put the timing light on the pulley, it lights up the 30 degree pulley marks.

What is the correct process to reinstall a distributor so its fires #1 at 4 degrees at 900 idle?

BTW, its a 70 2.2

Thanks in advance,

Robo

[orange911]

Thanks in advance,

Robo

Sounds like a pun there Robo.

Did you put it on the mark before the gears engaged fully or was it on the mark when the flange of the dizzy was seated? The rotor will rotate as you are installing, thus the reason for my question. You need to make sure it is on the mark after it is seated.

If 30 degrees is the least advance you can get at idle, then pull the dizzy back out and rotate one tooth of the gear CCW. Then try again.

[356robo]

Olin,

If I pull the distributor, turn the shaft a gear tooth, won't the rotor be off the #1 mark on the distributor?

Rob

[orange911]

If you are absolutely sure the brass connector is facing the mark with the pulley at Z1 and the dizzy is installed, then there is a possibility that your advance spring is broken and your centrifugal advance is fully advanced (35 degrees) at idle. You would have to remove the points plate, which can be tricky, to verify. Or you can back it out and rotate one tooth and recheck to see if you are getting advance at 2000 and 3000 rpm. I have attached a 2.4 distributor advance curve for reference.

[356robo]

Olin,

You may be on to something. Here's what I know for sure:

Pulley has Z1 mark and marks at 30, 35 degrees.

At idle, the light shows at the 30, 35 marks, depending on how I turn the distributor body.

The dist body only moves a little because of the lock down bracket.

Robo

[orange911]

Check this link if you want to go into it.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showt...&threadid=5432

[edmayo]

Hi 365robo, are you loosening the 10mm wrench size clamping bolt to rotate the distributor for timing adjustment? It's just like a 356 distributor clamp.

[356robo]

Thanks Ed.

I does have the adjustment bracket but I did'nt get that far. The car ran well before I removed the distributor. After reinstalling the dist, with the pulley at Z1 and the rotor pointing at the mark on the dist, the timing light showed 30 degree advance at idle. I'm still trying to figure out why. I can't get to it today, but tomorrow, I'll go at it again.

As suggested above, it may be that the return spring on the weights may have broken or disconnected. I hope that's not the case.

Robo

[orange911]

Robo,

If it is any value to you, I pulled my distributor out yesterday and reinstalled it with one out of an 73S (same curve, different body). I put it close to the mark and could barely get it cranked. I was reading near "FE" on the pulley with the light (way retarded). Pulled it and moved it one tooth CW, and it was right on it.

If you have a rev-limiting rotor, then it might be deceiving since there is no real straight line like a conventional rotor. That's my excuse anyway. I rev'd it to check for advance and we are good. I still think it would not hurt for you to try the one tooth move. Although, you should move yours CCW IIRC.

[356robo]

Thanks Olin.

Tomorrow, I'll put the dizzy in with pulley at Z1 and rotor pointed at #1 mark on the dizzy body. If I still see 30-35 degrees Before TDC, then I'll pull the dizzy out enough to turn the drive gear 1 tooth counter clockwise, right.

Thanks,

Robo