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To install the distributor with the engine disturbed:
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Turn the engine to bring the No. 1 piston to the top of its compression stroke. This may be determined by inserting a rag into the No. 1 spark plug hole and slowly turning the engine over. When the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley aligns with the 0 on the timing scale and the rag is blown out by compression, the No. 1 piston is at top dead center (TDC).
On Mark IV (big block) V8 engines there is a punch mark on the distributor drive gear which indicates the rotor position. Thus, the distributor may be installed with the cap in place. Align the punch mark 2 degrees clockwise from the No. 1 cap terminal, then rotate the distributor body 1/8 turn counterclockwise and push the distributor down into the block.
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Install the distributor to the engine block so that the vacuum advance unit points in the correct direction.
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Turn the rotor so that it will point to the No. 1 terminal in the cap.
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Install the distributor into the engine block. It may be necessary to turn the rotor a little in either direction in order to engage the gears.
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Connect the negative battery cable, then tap the starter a few times to ensure that the oil pump shaft is mated to the distributor shaft.
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Bring the engine to No. 1 TDC again and check to see that the rotor is indeed pointing toward the No. 1 terminal of the cap.
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After correct positioning is assured, turn the distributor housing so that the points are just opening. Tighten the retaining clamp.
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Install the cap and primary wire. Check the ignition timing. Install the vacuum hose.
Images available only to Customers.
Fig. 1: Scribe matchmarks for the distributor housing and rotor alignment
Images available only to Customers.
Fig. 2: Lift upward until the shaft clears the bore in the intake manifold, then tilt and remove the distributor
HEI Distributor, 1975 and later