Distributor Removal- What is the best rotor angle?

[Wolverine]

I do not think I am alone regarding the frustration one can experience when installing a distributor.

However, must it always be frustrating?

Is there a rotor angle or position that will decrease the difficulty of inserting the distributor? For example, is it best for the rotor to be pointing at cylinder #1, or maybe pointing halfway between #1 and #2?

I understand the logic of turning the crankshaft so the rotor is pointing at #1. Certainly makes the positioning of the distributor more straightforward.

However(maybe it is me and the fact I cannot get spray paint to dry...3 months and counting), but when I try to install my distributor, it just doesn't slide in very easily.

Does anyone know where that sweet spot is? On a 351C?

 

[comanchepilot44]

The most common issue when removing and reinstalling the distributor is the oil pump driveshaft disengages from the distributor drive and leans over against the block. I mark the distributor to index the position of the housing to the engine block so the timing stays the same. Then note where the rotor is pointing to. Sight down along the rotor from one end to the other. Note a particular bolt or mark with a whiteout brush. Now all the marks are in place to help with installation. Now slowly lift out the distributor watching the rotation of the rotor. The rotor position will cease to rotate after the driven gear clears the drive gear of the camshaft. Note the angle at wich the rotor position no longer turned is the same angle that rotor must point to engage the drive gear. This is when the problems start. The distributor gear is indexed to the drive gear of the cam but not the oilpump drive. Apply downward pressure and and have someone tap over the engine in a short burst or you can short the starter solenoid to engage the starter. The distributor will drop right in the rest of way. Line up your original marks at the base of the distributor and engine block, and your good to go. Then recheck your timing once it is up and running.

 

[[email protected]]

Sweet procedure, and if you didn't do it first you go to do something else. Can drop it in and see how much rotor moves and allow for that if you're lucky. Worst case you get a ros to put down and turn oli pump drive to where you need it to drop in right.

Jenny

 

[droptop73]

OR, you can mark where the rotor is with a sharpie on the distributor housing.

 

[69 Rustang]

I usually turn the engine over until the rotor points straight forward to the front of the car. Then I mark the distributor body and pull it out. As long as I am not turning the engine over while it is out, it is easy to line up again. On occasion I have had to bump the starter to get the oil pump shaft engaged, but as the rotor is starting to index and the distributor body was set back with the mark at the very front, it is close enough to start the engine and time it with a light.