I will be installing a new distributor in my 1985 F150 5.0 EFI. I have found TDC using a handy little spring loaded gadget and valves are positioned correctly.

I have read conflicting methods of installation. One says to install the distributor at TDC with one tooth off of #1 (retarded), another says to install at TDC directly on #1, and another says to install at 10 degrees BTDC with the distributor pointing to # 1.

Would especially like to hear from Franklin or ctubutis as both have never steered me wrong.

Thanks!!

 

I'm thinking all three methods you're seeing are all leading to the same goal and are just different approaches to getting there, but of course people could be describing how to get to different end goals that I'm not aware of, too.

In the end, you want the rotor pointing directly at #1 with the timing adjusted to ~10° BTDC...

As you insert the distributor into the block, the shaft & rotor is going to rotate several degrees I believe counterclockwise, and that might be the reason for a one-tooth-off description. You will need a timing light to adjust the ignition timing once its running, typical setting is around 10° BTDC.

Your third, 10° BTDC description is a method in which you don't need to adjust the ignition timing afterwards... you orient the harmonic balancer so the pointer indicates 10° BTDC and then install the distributor with the rotor pointing directly at #1.

I hope this all makes sense....

 

Thanks! I know some folks like to advance or retard their timing based upon what goals they are after.

I'm planning to set the balance wheel to 0 degrees TDC and have my distributor pointing directly to #1 - keeping it simple.

Thanks again, Franklin, for coming through!!

 

That was Chris, not me. But my answer is just get it in the ballpark so it will run. You always have to put a timing light on it afterward to tweak it in. I supposed you know about the spout connector and setting the timing with a light?

 

I was gonna be a smartass and say something like: But never did it for some reason.

 

lol! Sorry to you both!! Please let me blame my old age. I'm 60 in a few weeks, but my mind acts like it's 80.

Thanks for all you both do on this forum!!