Distributor in 455, can it be turned?

I have to do a tuneup on my parent's GS in the next couple of weeks, and have always wondered about the direction that the window on the distributor faces.

Don't know if this makes any sense or not. Basically would I be able to move the plug wires counterclockwise (I think, I haven't worked on it in a very long time), and then when I turn the complete distributor clockwise to get the timing back where it should be, the dwell window would be 45 degrees away from the fan blades.

I can't wait to get back to being all greasy from working on a real engine, I've been too long with computer operated cars with barely anything to do at tuneup time.

Thanks,
Scott

 

Yes you can turn the distributor as long as you move the wires also. Lift the cap to see which wire the rotor is pointing to, and once you turn the distributor make sure you move the wires so the rotor is still pointing to the correct wire. I hope that makes sense. It's easier to think it than type it.

 

Thanks Gregg, I thought it seemed logical that it would work, but without being right in front of it, I wasn't sure.

Yes, it's much easier to "think it" than to type it.

Scott

 

You'll want to be careful to notice how the distributor moves when it releases from the cam gear.

When dropping it in, you will actually be off of where you want it to land. It will twist as it seats with the gear.

You could also bring the motor to top dead center on the number one cylinder, install your distributor based on convenience of the window, and put the number one plug wire on whatever spot on the cap it is pointing to. There is the potential for being a tooth off on the gear.

Watch this when timing it. If you can't get the timing to reach even when you fully rotate the distributor, you're probably one tooth advanced or retarded depending on which direction you're adjusting it.

 

Before you pull the distributor line up the timing marks on the timing cover and balancer then check where the rotor is pointing. If its pointing to #1 sparkplug wire your set, if it points to #6 then rotate the balancer 360 degrees, then the engine is ready to fire on #1 cylinder. Then set it up however you want to and put #1 wire where the rotor is pointing. You may have to use a long screwdriver to line up the oil pump drive with the slot in the distributor to make sure its seated OK.

Dave Berry

 

Good point about the screwdriver, Dave!

You'll need to get an idea of the orientation of the slot in the distributore, once installed, then match up the slot in the oil pump drive.

If they're off, you won't get it seated.

 

I believe he wanted to turn the distributor without pulling it out and re-seating it. That is why the wires would have to be moved. That is how I read it anyways o No: .

 

i've always just given the starter a light bump to seat the oil pump shaft, and it's never hurt anything.

is that a no-no?

 

Your right Gregg as I reread it he doesn't intend to pull it just move it 1/8th of a turn and move the wires, shouldn't be a problem.

Dave Berry

 

Hi, Yes, that was what I was asking, if I could leave the distributor in and move the wires. I've seen my dad just about get his fingers removed, on several occasions, from the flexible dwell tool hitting the fan blades. I don't know why he never moved it around, I guess it just never dawned on him that he could.

Thanks,
Scott

 

What I always do is adjust the dwell with the car off, then turn it on to check. Last time it only took me 3 tries to get it perfect and it saves the trouble of turning the distributer and moving the wires.

 

Another question, is the dwell even important if your using the points to trigger a MSD box?

Dave Berry o No:

 

Since the points are just a trigger then the MSD could any voltage that they wanted accross the points. Had a Jacobs ignition on a car once and it used a real low voltage accross the points that had the effect of making the points last longer, but also didn't allow the points to clean any residual oil or dirt by arcing and were kind of prone to developing a bad connection at the points. Anyway they they recommended setting the points about .007 inch and I just wondered what voltage MSD uses. While I'm asking I use a cheap/yellow Accell coil with the MSD 6, what should I be using?

Dave Berry