Engine How to mark distributor properly before loosening and moving?

[dqureshi06]

I’m trying to move my distributor so the TFI module can be out of the way so I can tighten my lower thermostat housing bolt. Is drawing a straight line down the distributor and the block sufficient?

 

[AeroCoupe]

Pop the cap off and mark where the tip of the rotor is pointing on the body of the distributor. Mark the base of the distributor and continue that mark onto the block.

Goes without saying but don’t rotate the motor.

 

[dqureshi06]

Ok thanks. The tip of the rotor and the distributor itself can turn separately then right? As in you can turn the tip and the distributor without necessarily turning the other?

 

[AeroCoupe]

Once the distributor is installed and the base is firmly against the block the rotor will not move unless the motor moves. This is due to the gear on the bottom of the distributor engages the gear on the camshaft and the distributor gear is pinned to the distributor shaft which the rotor is connected to. The body of the distributor will rotate clockwise and counter clockwise unless the bolt that secures the distributor is tightened to the block. Make sense?

 

[AeroCoupe]

So when you in’s free all a distributor on a freshly built motor you bring the motor up to TDC and install the distributor such that the rotor pints to the #1 cylinder on the rotor cap. You then move the body of the distributor to set the timing.

 

[dqureshi06]

Once the distributor is installed and the base is firmly against the block the rotor will not move unless the motor moves. This is due to the gear on the bottom of the distributor engages the gear on the camshaft and the distributor gear is pinned to the distributor shaft which the rotor is connected to. The body of the distributor will rotate clockwise and counter clockwise unless the bolt that secures the distributor is tightened to the block. Make sense?

Y e s

 

[flynndawg]

my 89 5.0 has a factory 'ding' mark so you know where to align it... did they all not come that wat from the factory... ???

 

[89ripper]

my 89 5.0 has a factory 'ding' mark so you know where to align it... did they all not come that wat from the factory... ???

Please show "ding" mark you are talking about

 

[AeroCoupe]

I think it’s the notch at the base of the distributor. Found this pic of it and my OEM has it as well.

I have read somewhere the significance of the mark but don’t remember off hand. I want to say it lines up with the bolt hole for the hold down but I’m not 100%.

 

[89ripper]

I think it’s the notch at the base of the distributor. Found this pic of it and my OEM has it as well.

I have read somewhere the significance of the mark but don’t remember off hand. I want to say it lines up with the bolt hole for the hold down but I’m not 100%.

I saw that too, couldnt remember if I did that as a teen or not. Been too many years!!

 

[91GTstroked]

I think it’s the notch at the base of the distributor. Found this pic of it and my OEM has it as well.

I have read somewhere the significance of the mark but don’t remember off hand. I want to say it lines up with the bolt hole for the hold down but I’m not 100%.

All of the OEM distributors have that, same with the block. Im not sure if aftermarket distributors have that notch?