HEI Distributor
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 223
Likes: 2
HEI Distributor
Alright, so I put an HEI distributor on my truck about a year ago. Some things happened inbetween, like the screws that hold the cap down I did not realize that there were grooves underneath that they set into to keep it in place, so the cap was spinning when I was trying to set the timing. Anyways, I have that fixed but after getting the distributor in the right position the vacuum advance is running into the dipstick. How do I re-position the distributor without messing with the timing? I'm thinking pull the whole distributor up from the gear just enough to turn the whole thing to the position I want? I know this is prob easy but my brain is drawing blanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 69
Yes, you can reposition the distributor by withdrawing it and indexing it on a different tooth.
BUT...
As you pull the distributor out the rotor will rotate counterclockwise on the cam helix gear. The oil pump hex quill drive will disengage from the distributor. So if you re-engage the distributor on another gear tooth the hex shaft will no longer mesh with the oil pump. Sometimes the oil pump drive will turn by itself to engage the distributor. More often it won't. The pump needs to be turned slightly to allow reengagement. I use a 5/16 " hex, actually a 460 V8 drive quill that is longer than the 300. Some use a very long large screwdriver. Others se a hex socket (Be careful it doesn't disengage and fall into the oil pan!)
Reinstall the distributor by turning the rotor with clockwise pressure until it seats on the block.
BUT...
As you pull the distributor out the rotor will rotate counterclockwise on the cam helix gear. The oil pump hex quill drive will disengage from the distributor. So if you re-engage the distributor on another gear tooth the hex shaft will no longer mesh with the oil pump. Sometimes the oil pump drive will turn by itself to engage the distributor. More often it won't. The pump needs to be turned slightly to allow reengagement. I use a 5/16 " hex, actually a 460 V8 drive quill that is longer than the 300. Some use a very long large screwdriver. Others se a hex socket (Be careful it doesn't disengage and fall into the oil pan!)
Reinstall the distributor by turning the rotor with clockwise pressure until it seats on the block.
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