• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Installing Distributor?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jason5.0
  • Start date Start date Jul 30, 2005
J

Jason5.0

New Member
Mar 31, 2005
30
0
0
Saugus, Ma
Jul 30, 2005
#1
  • Jul 30, 2005
  • #1
i need some help here, me and a friend are installing a b cam into his car, we got everyhting apart, and got the cam into the motor and the new timing chain lined up correctly (still waiting on new lifters to come from summit) but now how exactly do you go about reinstalling the distributor? i know it just drops in, but where should the rotor be pointed if the marks on the timing chain are lined up? we marked the engine block and distributor with a sharpie so we can get close to the timing it had before we pulled it apart, but we didnt mark where the rotor was pointing, can anyone help us out here? thanks
 

z9_87

New Member
Apr 16, 2004
332
0
0
Urbana, IL
Jul 30, 2005
#2
  • Jul 30, 2005
  • #2
then u have to start over w/ the timing. Bring #1 cyl to TDC and put the distributor in with the rotor pointing at #1 spot on the cap. Should be about 11 o'clock position.
 

hllon4whls

BANNED
Founding Member
Jan 17, 2002
2,567
0
46
Covington
Jul 30, 2005
#3
  • Jul 30, 2005
  • #3
What he said. Also when you get the cam engaged, you can spin the motor by hand to get the oil pump shaft to lock into the dist.
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Jul 30, 2005
#4
  • Jul 30, 2005
  • #4
Putting the distributor back in is fairly simple. Pull #1 sparkplug, put your finger in the sparkplug hole, crank the engine until you feel compression. Then line up the TDC mark on the balancer with the pointer on the engine block. Align the distributor rotor up with the #1 position marked on the cap, slide the distributor down into the block, (you may have to wiggle the rotor slightly to get the gear to engage) and then note where the rotor is pointing. If it still lines up with #1 position on the cap, install the clamp and bolt. If not, pull it out and turn 1 tooth forwards or backwards and try again. Put the #1 spark plug back in and tighten it down, put the clamp on the distributor, but don't tighten it too much, as you will have to move the distributor to set the timing. Note that if it doesn't align perfectly with #1 position, you can turn the distributor until it does. The only problem is that if you are too far one way or the other, you can't turn the distributor enough to get the 10-14 degree optimum timing range.

At this point hook up all the wires, get out the timing light and start the engine. Set the timing where your car runs best. Don't forget to disconnect the SPOUT jumper connector when you set the timing, and plug it back in when you finish.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
MEED HELP!! 86 mustang
  • Jacob0121
  • Jan 23, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
6
Views
388
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Apr 25, 2026
CAMTWO1070
S
Timing chain, guides and tensioner installation (Possible orientation in Intake Stroke)
  • StallionMax
  • Sep 21, 2025
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
433
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Sep 24, 2025
StallionMax
S
  • Locked
Engine Help timing possibly
  • K1tha1
  • Apr 26, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
250
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 26, 2025
Noobz347
8
Engine Rough idle and aggressive sputtering when accelerating
  • 88vertible
  • Aug 13, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 13, 2025
Jarhead67
J
G
Engine Pushrod Length Question
  • germain101
  • Sep 22, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
12
Views
621
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Sep 25, 2025
Noobz347
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?