Distributor Question
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Freshman User
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Distributor Question
I recently had to replace the ICM on my 1991 F-150 with a 302. When I pulled the distributor I didnt mark the position of the rotor. I have set the #1 at tdc with the balancer on 0 dgrees, then I place the distributor down with the ICM wires to the front of the motor. At this point I am unsure if the rotor should be turned to be pointing in a certain way or what. I have stabbed it several times and the trucks runs without missing and at the right rpms. However it seems that there is a ticking almost exhaust leak kind of sound coming from the passenger side of the motor. This sound will go away if I advance the timing to about 20 degrees BTDC or so. If I leave it at 10 degrees Btdc the sound continues and as I drive up the road it increases and decreases with the rpms. What am I not doing right? Frutrated
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
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From: Ohio
Realistically, where the rotor points is only relative to where #1 wire is at on the cap. If you move #1 wire, just rotate the rotor so that it points to it while at TDC.
You need to remove the "spout" to be able to properly time it. It is a small grey plug right at the distributor wiring. Unplug it, time it, then plug it back in. If not, the computer will continue to "readjust" itself whenever you turn the distributor.
You need to remove the "spout" to be able to properly time it. It is a small grey plug right at the distributor wiring. Unplug it, time it, then plug it back in. If not, the computer will continue to "readjust" itself whenever you turn the distributor.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
With #1 piston at TDC, insert the distributor so that the ICM harness is towards the front and has room to move either way, and also so that the rotor is pointed at the #1 post on the distributor cap.. which is pretty much straight back towards the firewall. Leave the distributor locking bolt just loose enough that the distributor can rotate and fire up the motor and let it settle into a steady idle, then pull the spout plug to disable computer advance and set the base timing at 10-12deg, 10 is factory spec but most engines will tolerate 2-4 degrees more and deliver better performance and fuel economy. Lock down the distributor, reinstall the spout and take it for a test drive to check for pinging under load, if none is heard you're good otherwise you have to reduce the amount of advance a degree or two and test again.
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Thanks for giving me some helpful answers. I pulledn and restabbed the distributor this morning with the rotor pointed almost straight back towards the firewall just slightly pointing towards the steering wheel. Motor sounds much better and with the spout pulled the timing is set at 10 degrees btdc and with the spout in it reads at round bout 20 degrees btdc. I guess this is right?
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