georgiaboy5
Forum Newbie
Posts: 9
Reg: 05-27-12
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05-27-12 08:05 AM - Post#2230281
Running a stock type msd hei distributor in a dirt track stock car. The problem is with the engine setback my cap is hitting the firewall. The part that sticks out for the wire connections is pointing almost straight back. My question is, can the distributor be taken out and turned 180 degrees? That would give me extra clearance. Any help would be greatly appreciated
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IgnitionMan
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2415
Reg: 04-15-05
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05-27-12 09:17 AM - Post#2230316
In response to georgiaboy5
Distributor can be "oriented" in the engine any way you wish to install it, but, you MUST make the rotor point to the number 1 terminal on the cap, no matter which terminal you use, and, the firing order must be maintained correct.
Other than those two factors, anything goes.
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georgiaboy5
Forum Newbie
Posts: 9
Reg: 05-27-12
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05-27-12 01:09 PM - Post#2230391
In response to IgnitionMan
If its not too much trouble, could you please give me a step by step process of how to get this done. Kinda new to this. thanks again
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C10 Sleeper
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3426
Loc: Redding Ca
Reg: 03-17-09
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05-27-12 02:00 PM - Post#2230403
In response to georgiaboy5
The rotor only fits on one way so as as long as #1 piston is the tdc of the compression stroke you should be good to make #1 on the cap wherever you want. After you find tdc pull the dist up enough to clear the cam gear and rotate. Just remember once it starts to go back down the shaft will rotate about anther 1/4 turn. You will need a long flat head screwthat driver to align the oil pump shaft. Then just follow the firing order in a clock wise rotation for the plug wires.
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georgiaboy5
Forum Newbie
Posts: 9
Reg: 05-27-12
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05-27-12 04:19 PM - Post#2230454
In response to C10 Sleeper
Ok, i think i got it. Get number one piston to TDC. Pull distributor and set back down where i want cap to point. Wherever rotor points will be new number one on cap. Reinstall wires per firing order going clockwise. Does that sound right?
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C10 Sleeper
Valued Contributor
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Loc: Redding Ca
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05-27-12 04:34 PM - Post#2230463
In response to georgiaboy5
Thats how I would go about it.
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georgiaboy5
Forum Newbie
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05-27-12 07:00 PM - Post#2230533
In response to C10 Sleeper
ok thanks for the help
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IgnitionMan
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2415
Reg: 04-15-05
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05-27-12 08:24 PM - Post#2230572
In response to georgiaboy5
One very important factor, make sure the number 1 piston is at top dead center (TDC), on the COMPRESSION STROKE, NOT ON OVERLAP.
Pull the number 1 spark plug out of the engine, and crank the engine over with the ignition disabled, finger/thumb over the spark plug hole in the head, so you can feel pressure, when you start to feel pressure, then go to the next TDC on the dampener.
In a Chevy engine, there are TWO TDC's, one is when the engine has made compression, the other, no pressure, overlap cycle. You want to set number 1 on the distributor to compression on cylinder number 1, NOT overlap.
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models916
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1941
Age: 62
Loc: Addison, IL
Reg: 05-28-10
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05-28-12 05:34 AM - Post#2230652
In response to IgnitionMan
You don't need to pull the distributor. Just rotate the cap to where you want it and move the wires so that #1 is where the rotor is when at TDC on #1 cylinder. Make sure you are on compression on #1 cylinder. The engine does't care where the rotor is pointing as long as the rotor is pointing to the correct plug and the #1 cylinder is at compression.
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IgnitionMan
Frequent Contributor
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Reg: 04-15-05
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05-28-12 08:14 AM - Post#2230715
In response to models916
Yup, all that's what I already said.
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georgiaboy5
Forum Newbie
Posts: 9
Reg: 05-27-12
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05-28-12 03:11 PM - Post#2230830
In response to models916
it looks like i will have to pull distributor, cap only fits one way
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 acardon
"9th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 9470
Loc: DFW TEXAS
Reg: 03-25-05
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05-28-12 03:48 PM - Post#2230848
In response to georgiaboy5
it looks like i will have to pull distributor, cap only fits one way
You don't need to, you can turn the distributor AND cap to where you want the power wires to be. Then relocate the plug wires on the cap.
Here's the procedure.
Locate #1 plug wire on the cap and mark it's location on the manifold or some other reference point around the distributor. If you rotate the distributor in exactly multiples of 8, timing will be real close when your done.
Turn the distributor to where the power and tach wires are where you want them.
Pull all the wires off the cap and put #1 wire at the location that #1 used to on, followed by the rest of the firing order.
Reset timing with a light.
Don
66 Corvair (driving)
57 2dr HT (restoring)
56 2dr HT (waiting to be restored)
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georgiaboy5
Forum Newbie
Posts: 9
Reg: 05-27-12
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05-28-12 05:05 PM - Post#2230873
In response to acardon
Do i do this with number 1 at TDC? Just turn distributor and move number 1 wire position on the cap? Sorry
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acardon
"9th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 9470
Loc: DFW TEXAS
Reg: 03-25-05
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05-28-12 05:23 PM - Post#2230884
In response to georgiaboy5
Just turn and put #1 to the same location it used to be.
Don
66 Corvair (driving)
57 2dr HT (restoring)
56 2dr HT (waiting to be restored)
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busterrm
Contributor
Posts: 999
Loc: Wichita Falls, Tx
Reg: 08-31-10
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05-28-12 06:46 PM - Post#2230918
In response to IgnitionMan
One very important factor, make sure the number 1 piston is at top dead center (TDC), on the COMPRESSION STROKE, NOT ON OVERLAP.
Pull the number 1 spark plug out of the engine, and crank the engine over with the ignition disabled, finger/thumb over the spark plug hole in the head, so you can feel pressure, when you start to feel pressure, then go to the next TDC on the dampener.
In a Chevy engine, there are TWO TDC's, one is when the engine has made compression, the other, no pressure, overlap cycle. You want to set number 1 on the distributor to compression on cylinder number 1, NOT overlap.
Yup! I agree with Iman, make sure #1 is on compression stroke, you can also pull valve cover and watch both valves open and close intake last then rotate until you feel pressure in plug hole then go to TDC and drop the distributor.
Again, I agree with Iman, you can put number 1 where you want it but make sure you wire the firing order from where you place # 1 and you'll be good to go.
==== BOB ====
If I can't smoke the tires I want more!
1976 Chevy Nova
2007 Chevy 1500 1/2 ton
2005 Yamaha Vstar 1100 midnight custom |
Edited by busterrm on 05-28-12 06:50 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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models916
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1941
Age: 62
Loc: Addison, IL
Reg: 05-28-10
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05-29-12 05:45 AM - Post#2231023
In response to IgnitionMan
Now do you see why I said it all again?
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acardon
"9th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 9470
Loc: DFW TEXAS
Reg: 03-25-05
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05-29-12 06:42 AM - Post#2231044
In response to models916
You don't need to pull the distributor. Just rotate the cap to where you want it and move the wires so that #1 is where the rotor is when at TDC on #1 cylinder. Make sure you are on compression on #1 cylinder. The engine does't care where the rotor is pointing as long as the rotor is pointing to the correct plug and the #1 cylinder is at compression.
Now do you see why I said it all again?
If you don't pull the distributor, why are you turning the engine to #1? The rotor isn't going to move when you turn the distributor. It won't matter if it's pointing to #5, # 3, or halfway between any 2 wires. If #1 wire is, "say" at 7 oclock position, turn the distributor an equal # of positions till another terminal is at 7 oclock position and the power wire is where you want it. Plug #1 wire back in the 7 oclock position, followed by the firing order and crank the engine up.
Don
66 Corvair (driving)
57 2dr HT (restoring)
56 2dr HT (waiting to be restored)
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IgnitionMan
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2415
Reg: 04-15-05
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05-29-12 09:32 AM - Post#2231101
In response to IgnitionMan
Please be aware that there is a vacuum advance on that distributor, and possibly, it cannot simply "just be rotated a half turn" and re-firing ordered.
You could rotate the dist TWO plug wire terminals worth, then move the plug wires two terminals each, that might you close to what you are after.
Just have to work with it.
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C10 Sleeper
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3426
Loc: Redding Ca
Reg: 03-17-09
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05-29-12 11:51 AM - Post#2231171
In response to IgnitionMan
Good point about the vacuum advance. Not to mention the original poster mentioned limited firewall clearance due to engine set back. I have been in similar situations when I was playing the circle track game years ago. That is why I recommended pulling the distributor out.
Ignitionman: Its good to see you back.
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georgiaboy5
Forum Newbie
Posts: 9
Reg: 05-27-12
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05-29-12 04:10 PM - Post#2231259
In response to IgnitionMan
Hey guys its an MSD pn 8365. No vac adv. The wire connector part that "sticks" out is pointing straight back to the firewall. I would like to turn the dist 90 degrees clockwise as looking at the dist from the front of car, to where the connector part is towards the drivers side of car. I thought i had it figured out, but im getting all confused again. Ive had the timing screwed up before, just trying to avoid another nightmare. If its an easier process to go 180 degrees, i can do that. Thanks for all the help
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IgnitionMan
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2415
Reg: 04-15-05
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05-29-12 09:11 PM - Post#2231346
In response to C10 Sleeper
No vacuum advance, no problem, just put it where you want, confirm TDC and rotor position, set the firing order, time it, and...go.
I'm not back, just visiting until our ultra useless board pest gets wind of my posts, and flames me over and over again.
Besides, this fellow needs the help.
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 Matt
Moderator
Posts: 7585
Loc: SAV
Reg: 09-26-01
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05-30-12 01:43 PM - Post#2231541
In response to IgnitionMan
I'm not back, just visiting until our ultra useless board pest gets wind of my posts, and flames me over and over again.
Did you really have to say something inflammatory like that? Maybe there's a reason why it has happened in the past.
Besides, this fellow needs the help.
Yes, and we more than welcome your insight and feedback. You know way more than I do here, that's for sure. Thanks for your posts.
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models916
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1941
Age: 62
Loc: Addison, IL
Reg: 05-28-10
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05-31-12 05:47 AM - Post#2231762
In response to georgiaboy5
Pull the wires off the cap, rotate the distributor so the cap is where you want it and then replace the wires so that #1 is where the rotor is when #1 cylinder is at TDC compression and follow the rest in order. Why pull the distributor?
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IgnitionMan
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2415
Reg: 04-15-05
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05-31-12 07:07 AM - Post#2231781
In response to models916
Yup, that's what I said above, again.
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georgiaboy5
Forum Newbie
Posts: 9
Reg: 05-27-12
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05-31-12 09:24 AM - Post#2231823
In response to models916
Thank you guys. I think I finally got it.
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georgiaboy5
Forum Newbie
Posts: 9
Reg: 05-27-12
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05-31-12 09:26 AM - Post#2231824
In response to IgnitionMan
Thanks for all the help ignition man!
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IgnitionMan
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2415
Reg: 04-15-05
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05-31-12 03:58 PM - Post#2231939
In response to georgiaboy5
Actually, it was, and is my pleasure. Hope you get it dialed so it works for you. Great group here, they have a lot of saavy with these issues.
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