Hello, My engine (350 CI, '72 Le Sabre) is running bad. I'm almost sure that the ignition must bet set to a better timing. But, i just can't find a way to do it! The last time i did this kind of work must be over 20 years ago As far as i can remember there must be a way to turn the distributer loos, run the engine and, by turning the distributer find the right timing. I just can't find a way to turn it loose. Or am i completly mistaken here??? :error:
There is a bolt that holds the distributor in place at the top of the timing cover next to where the shaft of the distributor goes in. It's hard as hell to get loose, but that's what you have to do. Get a timing light and follow the directions on how to read the the timing. Good luck:TU:
Are you kidding??? Hey guys, do you mean to tell me that the bold is there where i Can't see anything can't reach anything can't feel anything [/list=1] If i'm not mistaken i can see one of the corners of a bolt. It's on the right site (from my point of view) of the distributer, on top of the timing cover; that bolt?? Tell me i'm wrong or does GM deliver the car with a dwarf to turn it lose? :jd:
Arno , That's the one !:gt: You'll find it easy to get to with a "distibutor wrench" available at most auto parts. You will have a little challage without one !ou: :TU:
Hi Bruce, You are aware that i live in the Netherlands? I don't think i'll find it over here in every shop...:ball: But, i'm getting more optimistical, from under the car it's a little easyer i think...
Arno, The distributor holdown bolt goes right through the middle of a clamp that prevents the distributor from turning. It is a 9/16" size and is on top of the timing cover to the passenger side of the distributor. A distributor wrench is the way to go, but if you can't find one you may be able to get in there with a short (stubby) wrench, or possibly a crows foot ratchet attachment(hope you know what I'm talking about)
Larry, Did you say "passenger site" ??? As you see in this thread i'm talking about the bolt on the right site from my point of view, that's the drivers site. Lets get this straight before i'm breaking my arms for the wrong bolt ou:
i always use a normal wrench. no problems. drivers side of the engine, right below the distributor, to the right rear. like they said, it goes through a metal piece that holds the distributor in.
Hi Arno - I think what Larry is saying (not to put words in your mouth Larry) is that after you locate the the distributor shaft (located on the driver's side of the engine as you already know), the bolt is to the left (or passenger side) of the shaft, or towards the alternator. There is only one bolt and hold down at the base of the distributor shaft. HTH
I use a regular wrench, I reach from the drivers side over the fender with a regular combo 9/16" wrench, or from the front through the power steering pump belt.
Maybe I read the response wrong but the bolt that holds the distributor in is on the driver side of the motor.It goes through the distributor hold down which is located on the power steering side of the distributor. Thats the way it is on all of my 350s.You have to gain access to the bolt and hold down from the drivers side.It is easier to use a distributor wrench but you can also use a long 9/16 inch wrench. Pat:TU:
Apparently different from 3.8's, too... mine is behind and to the left of the dist... looking from the front of the car. And yes, it's an evil bolt. I've never cursed a distributor bolt so hard in my life
before i wised up and bought a dist wrench i took a 9/16 wrench and bent it at 90% in a vise. was a little easier to use. of corse that was on a clean engine and a bolt that didnt have 20 plus years of crud on it.:grin: brad.
I DID IT, I REALY DID IT!!!! I want to thank you all for helping me out here!:beer I welded some tools together just like a pic i found of a distributor wrench. I turned it lose, set the timing and am hearing that fine roaring of a V8 again... I'm so glad i made it....:bglasses: Thanks again for the advises you have given me here; you're great!!
Aparently '72 350s are different than '70, my bolt is on the drivers side of the distributor shaft, and I need no special tools to get to it. Just a 9/16" combo wrench and some patience.
mine is on the drivers side, 72 -350. thought they all were i just bent a 9/16 to make it a little easier. now with the dist wrech its a piece of cake. brad.
