Restabbing distributor

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Jun 20, 2016 | 01:13 PM

TheSterling

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Restabbing distributor

So I pulled the dizzy to restab it in another position for tuning, now I can't get it to reseat on top of the oil pump shaft because the shaft isn't directly in the middle. What are my options here? I was thinking of using a magnet to pull it out and using black rtv to stick the shaft to the bottom of the dizzy so I could get it to seat. Any other recommendations or ideas?

Jun 20, 2016 | 02:00 PM

JD Q

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Joined: Feb 2016

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I believe that there is a thread in this site for this, somewhere.
I believe that globing some multipurpose grease between the shaft and block will hold the shaft in place long enough to stab the dizzy.

Jun 20, 2016 | 02:16 PM

Tedster9

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Joined: Apr 2002

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From: Waterloo, Iowa

Aren't oil pumps usually stuffed with vaseline prior to startup? So that would be a safe choice I'm thinkin'. Grease would work fine too.

Jun 20, 2016 | 03:19 PM

mountain dewd

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From: O-O-O-Oreilly's

I just wiggled, twisted, rotated, and swore at mine until it dropped right into place.

Jun 20, 2016 | 04:07 PM

HIO Silver

Fleet Owner

Joined: Dec 2009

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From: NorCal

Hopefully your truck is parked on level surface... but the oil pump drive shouldn't be wandering/teetering anyways..... if the dizzy isn't seating on the shaft, by hand rotate the engine a touch.

How to Install a New Distributor - Car Craft Magazine

Jun 20, 2016 | 04:48 PM

hivoltj

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Joined: Apr 2010

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From: Billings, MT

Ya or jack up the front or rear end depending on which way it needs to go. U shouldn't be able to pull the shaft out; it should have a retaining washer on it

Jun 20, 2016 | 07:14 PM

mountain dewd

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From: O-O-O-Oreilly's

Quote:

Originally Posted by hivoltj

Ya or jack up the front or rear end depending on which way it needs to go. U shouldn't be able to pull the shaft out; it should have a retaining washer on it

Unless it was like mine, where the PO removed that washer, and the drive shaft falls into the pan...

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Jun 20, 2016 | 07:22 PM

mountain dewd

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From: O-O-O-Oreilly's

Quote:

Originally Posted by gemutlich

Dang man the more you talk about what the PO did to your truck the more I don't think he shoulda even had a tricycle let alone that truck!

You have NO idea how bad it was man. Scary. A tricycle would be too fast/complicated/valuable for them!

May 16, 2022 | 06:20 AM

#10

nighthawking

Cross-Country

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I think I know that guy.

May 16, 2022 | 07:12 PM

#11

5851a

Logistics Pro

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 4,031

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From: East Central Ia

Make sure it's in park or neutral with brake set. If you have the gear indexed, take a screwdriver and jump from battery positive to S terminal on solenoid while pushing down on distributor cap with medium pressure. It should drop in within a revolution. You may have to back up crank to check. If you end up with the rotor centered over the 1 of the 12127,, timing point on 10 degree btc you should be ready vacuum can pointed straight forward. Check timing afterwards. Should be within a degree or two. Chisel mark on block should line up at distibutor base or very close. Where it was set at factory.