Installing an MSD distributor
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 448
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From: MN
Installing an MSD distributor
Warning, I'm a novice.
I'm getting ready to install an MSD distributor on an engine that was recently rebuilt. I read that you need to turn the engine over until you feel compression on the #1 spark plug hole and then continue to turn it until it is at TDC. How do I know when it's at TDC? The book says there is a mark on the crank, but I didn't see it. Any advice?
I'm getting ready to install an MSD distributor on an engine that was recently rebuilt. I read that you need to turn the engine over until you feel compression on the #1 spark plug hole and then continue to turn it until it is at TDC. How do I know when it's at TDC? The book says there is a mark on the crank, but I didn't see it. Any advice?
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 43
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From: michigan
Bear with me if you know most of this, but better too much info than not enough . . .
First, if you don't have TDC (or other "degrees") marked on your harmonic balancer and/or no timing pointer on the block, you'll have a tough time getting this thing timed. I'll bet there IS a mark on the balancer, though!
I'm assuming you know the trick of plugging the #1 spark plug hole with your finger and feeling for compression (as you or someone turns the crank) to get roughly at TDC. In my experience, that's about exact as you have to be; you're mainly trying to point the distributor rotor at the #1 plug wire tower on the cap. (You'll time it exactly with a timing light after it's running and warmed up.)
I suppose if you wanted to more be exact, you could get #1 to roughly TDC by feel, then insert a long thin plastic rod (or something that won't break/splinter/scratch/fall in) through the spark plug hole. This rod would rest on top of the piston and you could watch it rise/fall as you hand turn the crank to determine TDC exactly. In my opinion this isn't necessary though. . .
Good luck!
First, if you don't have TDC (or other "degrees") marked on your harmonic balancer and/or no timing pointer on the block, you'll have a tough time getting this thing timed. I'll bet there IS a mark on the balancer, though!
I'm assuming you know the trick of plugging the #1 spark plug hole with your finger and feeling for compression (as you or someone turns the crank) to get roughly at TDC. In my experience, that's about exact as you have to be; you're mainly trying to point the distributor rotor at the #1 plug wire tower on the cap. (You'll time it exactly with a timing light after it's running and warmed up.)
I suppose if you wanted to more be exact, you could get #1 to roughly TDC by feel, then insert a long thin plastic rod (or something that won't break/splinter/scratch/fall in) through the spark plug hole. This rod would rest on top of the piston and you could watch it rise/fall as you hand turn the crank to determine TDC exactly. In my opinion this isn't necessary though. . .
Good luck!
