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How to Install a Distributor on A-series Engine
NOTE: If your distributor is already installed, see: Ignition Timing.
Contents |
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Distributor Removal
- Engage handbrake on & block the wheels
- Put transmission in neutral
- turn engine by carefully turning fan clockwise, until the timing marks line up (5 degrees BDTC). If the fan belt slips, it's too loose (tighten it!)
- Check to see if it is TDC or BDC. Note where on the cap the #1 plug wire is. Then remove cap. If the rotor is pointing to #1, it is TDC. If it is pointing to #4, rotate the engine another 360 degrees.
- Remove the vacuum advance hose, low-voltage wire
- Remove the timing adjust bolt (under front of distributor) then pull distributor straight up and out
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Distributor Installation
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Preparation
Before you insert the new distributor:
- Clean the shaft on the new distributor of any dirt or dust
- Put some clean motor oil on the gear
- Be careful not to cut or dislodge the O-ring seal that's in the hole. Use one seal, either the one in the engine or the one of the distributor. Remove the extra seal
Note the rubber o-ring seal in the distributor bore
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Fitting
Next, insert the new distributor, carefully lowering it into the bore.
- keep the vacuum advance pointing toward the front of the car
- turn the rotor to point at the #1 terminal of the cap. This is about 2 o'clock (if Noon if the front of the car). There is a straight line on the side of the distributor body indicating the Number One position
A12 distributor orientation - You'll have to rotate the rotor back to about 4 O'clock before inserting it, as it will rotate around as the gears mesh. Don't worry if it takes 10 or 20 tries to get everything lined up
- Assuming the timing marks are still at 5 degrees BTDC, rotate housing to line up rotor:
- For a points-type distributor, rotate the housing until it just sparks (key on, cap off)
- For electronic ignition, line up the iron ring teeth (pickup) with the rotor (reluctor) teeth -- line it up exactly
- After distributor is in the engine, double check:
- Rotor pointing at Number One wire
- Points just beginning to open, or Electronic: teeth inside distributor lined up perfectly
- timing marks on crankshaft lined up (5 degrees BTC)
- Bolt the distributor down
- Hook up the vacuum advance hose
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Spark Timing
Finally, before you are ready to start the engine you will want to check the spark ignition timing. See Ignition Timing for the procedure.
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