Distributor swap......

[kosanders]

I just installed a "runner" to get my car back on the road. I'm swapping almost all of my parts onto it since I know they worked.

I've never done a distributor before.......

I've been reading a lot about the oil pump drive shaft and problems lining it up.

How do I know if it's right???

The car wont start and I think It smells funny. Is that my indicator?

 

[FalconSedanDelivery]

Everyone makes this hard , here is the deal make a reference to where the rotor is pointing ( in a clock position ) , and where the Vac adv is also pointing , keep in mind the hear is cut on a helix so if it doesn't drop all the way , keep in mind where the rotor would be if it did , ALSO , if it doesn't go all the way down ,don't force , don't hit with a hammer ( EVEN GENTLY ) just have someone bump the starter , its already engaged in the gear so it wont cause a problem , a few taps of the key ( or a remote start , / jump at the relay on the fender) , AND it will drop , , I always verify that its where it should be by bringing it up to TDC afterwards and note the relation of the rotor to number one , and adjust if needed

 

[jimlj66]

At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter where the rotor is pointing when you drop your distributor in. Find TDC on the compression stroke on #1 cylinder. Rotate the vacuum can until your points just start to open. (On a DSII, rotate until one of the points on the reluctor is lined up with the magnetic pickup.) Now note where the rotor is pointing and instal #1 spark plug wire on that post of the distributor cap. Instal the rest of the plug wires in the proper firing order and you should be good enough to get the car started. The only real reason that I can see of worrying how the rotor is pointing when installing a distributor is so you can visually see if your timing is close, or if your distributor cap is marked with the plug wire number. The engine doesn't know or care as long as you get the timing and firing order right.