Well I put a new intake manifold on and I got mixed up putting the distributor back in so everything is probably off now. Can someone let me know how to get it correct again? Thanks.

 

Did u mark the distributor when you pulled it out?

If not, then turn the motor over by hand till #1 is at TDC compression, then drop the distributor in with the rotor pointing at the #1 plug wire on the cap. You will prolly have to wiggle it around to get it to drop in, but that method should have you back up and running in no time.

- Justin

 

No i didnt mark it unfortunately. How will I know #1 is at tdc? Sorry if its a dumb question, I never turned the motor over by hand before.

 

take the spark plug out of the #1 cylinder (1st cylinder on driver side)

turn the motor over using a breaker bar and socket on the crankshaft pulley until u hear a loud hiss come out of the spark plug hole.

then wiggle the dist. in w/ the rotor pointing at the #1 plug wire.

put the dist. hold down on but not tight so you can set the timing.


hope that helps

EDIT: next time you do this (change intakes) take the cap off and put a piece of take w/ a pen mark exactly where the rotor is pointing. it will (should) keep you from having to do this again.

 

That helps alot thanks man I put the distributor back in and I remembered I took some pics going through the install and I had one of the distributor. So I put it back in and wanted to see if It would start without going to #1 tdc and the car started up. Now my question is can I just readjust the timing to get it fine tuned or should I put it at #1 tdc?

 

After shooting flames and setting carbs on fire on several engines trying to reinstall distributors correctly, I've come up with a method that works for me. I pull the drivers side valve cover, crank the motor with a ratchet until the intake valve on the number 1 cylinder opens and closes, then line the timing mark on the balancer up with the 4B mark on the timing scale then I drop the distributor in (sometimes a large flathead screwdriver is needed to line up the oil pump drive) making sure that the wiring and vacuum advance allow for ample adjustment. Then I place the cap on and line the rotor up with the closest terminal.. That terminal is now the number 1 plug. Then I follow the firing order (18436572) and dist rotation (clockwise for chevys counterclockwise for Pontiacs) and place the rest of plug wires on. The last couple engines I tried this on fired right up.

 

Most people have no problem turning the motor with the crank bolt but every once in a while you see someone who did it and their crank bolt snapped. Their is a special tool to turn the crank which isn't very expensive you might want to consider getting one.

 

I pulled the distributor back out for like the 10 time today. I had my bro hand crank it till I felt pressure push my thumb out. I had him crank it till it lined up with 0. I then put the distributor back in with the rotor facing the #1 terminal on the cap. All the wires are in the correct place. I went to start it up but it wont start up. While I am trying to start it sometimes it will act there is low power then crank normally. some smoke is also coming out of the carb. I am pretty sure I got it right. What is wrong?

 

Well I thought maybe i had it out 180 so I turned the rotor 180 degrees and the car cranks like normal now but still wont start. It is also making some popping noises through the exhaust. I dont know what is wrong.

 

hey you might have to get some one to turn the engine over while you turn the distributer a bit clock wise or counter clock wise till it fires up then you can power time it or yous a timming gun on it i would give you a hand but i live to far