dizzy install...pita

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Nov 5, 2013 | 07:47 PM

68f10059

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dizzy install...pita

So I have narrowed all my running issues down to the distributor. Since the engine is a modified 351 the stock dizzy is too short to engage the cam and oil pump drive. I ran the number on the dizzy I pulled and all I can find is that its actually from a 302 mustang with an auto trans. Ordered it and it came in today. Went to install it when I got home and cannot for the life of me get it to seat. I'm about half to three quarters of an inch it seems to being flush. Maybe a little more give or take. I have the engine at TDC and still won't find its spot. Tried getting it to drop by applying a little pressure while bumping the engine over and no luck. Need ideas ASAP. When bumping engine that rotor shaft did spin a little. I think maybe the oil pump drive is holding it back from slipping down and meshing with the cam gear.

Nov 5, 2013 | 08:10 PM

Boss9F100

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Joined: May 2008

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From: PHX AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68f10059

What engine do you have? a 351W or 351M?
Remember it has to be at TDC on the compression stroke
Also if you have dist for wrong engine there are 2 diff size oil shaft drives for small blocks. Need more info to help you.

This should be less than a 10 min job.

Post pic of engine and distributor or at least the part number for dist.

Where are you located? Also more info on veh you are working on.

302 has a 1/4" shaft 7.44" Long

351W is 5/16" x 8.19

351M/400 is 5/16 x 8.44

429/460 is 5/16 x 9.34

FE is 1/4" x 8.53"

My guess as above is wrong dist for what engine you have

Nov 5, 2013 | 08:15 PM

HIO Silver

Fleet Owner

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 20,678

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From: NorCal

Never bump the engine to install a dizzy. Instead, set the engine at TDC by turning the crank with a breaker bar and socket. Approximate the rotor to point to the #1 terminal. Turn the engine only a little bit with the breaker bar if it doesn't seat immediately. The gears should mesh with the crank and oil pump drive line align to allow the dizzy to be installed.

Patience is required.

Nov 5, 2013 | 08:29 PM

Boss9F100

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From: PHX AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by HIO Silver

I am with HIO on this one with exception to make sure its TDC on the compression stroke. Pull #1 Plug while bumping engine over to make sure, use breaker bar or large ratchet to turn engine. Clockwise looking from front. (facing engine)

Take a 1/4" and a 5/16" allen wrench and use them to compare dist shafts on both distributors and also double check shaft in engine.

Nov 6, 2013 | 05:56 AM

gfw1985

Cranky Old Guy

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 3,562

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From: Raphine, Virginia

Just a tip I use. Pack Vaseline around the pump shaft with a screwdriver to hold it centered in hole. If it doesn't slip right in, turn pump shaft a little with a nutdriver and try again. It takes twice as much crankshaft movement to turn the camshaft the same distance.

Nov 6, 2013 | 07:15 AM

68f10059

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Went back to get the core that came from truck and found the gear and oil pump drive on the new one was significantly smaller. AutoZone is gonna order another and match it up for me

Nov 6, 2013 | 10:01 AM

Boss9F100

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Joined: May 2008

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From: PHX AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68f10059

Went back to get the core that came from truck and found the gear and oil pump drive on the new one was significantly smaller. AutoZone is gonna order another and match it up for me

BINGO!

Lucky guess . . . lol

Make sure the dist you get is for the 351. You mentioned its a modified 351. Does that mean a Modified 351 Windsor or is
it actually a 351M? Big diff so make sure you get the correct one other wise you will end up wrong again.

Thats why I suggested to post a pic of the engine. If it has 8 valve cover bolts its the 351M or C version if it has 6 Valve cover bolts its a W. Again, the 351W and 351M's have different distributors.