Re-installing the distributor

[dgrinnan]

I did a search.  I am sure this is documented somewhere but I could not find it.  I have a 218 in my 47 WC I am trying to start. It has been years.  It looks like the previous owner just randomly plugged in the spark plug wires into the distributor cap.  The distributor was loose and I have no faith it was drop into the engine in the correct postions.  I do have the engine sitting at zero degrees top dead center.  When I seat the distributor, how can I tell I do not have it sitting 180 degrees off.  I can try it in the position it was in before I pulled the dirtributor out (50-50 shot)but if there is a way to check it before I button everything back down it might save me some work.

[Plymouthy Adams]

IF you are TDC number one....the rotor button will point to the corresponding distributor cap tower.....if not....then likely you are 180 out.   As the question of if and how done by PO and and if you wish...you can at this time easily index the oil pump to match that of the position of orientation in the later manuals.  In this manner, the slot of the pump will run 7 o'clock to 1 o'clock as viewed through the distributor mount hole.  This is not a must...but if say for instance a shop was required later for repairs...they first thought will be jumped timing as nothing matches the later manuals.  Your preference your call...

[wallytoo]

why not stick to one thread, rather than creating a new one about virtually the same thing?

 

 

[dgrinnan]

First thread is about wiring and identifying the correct location.  I have read you can have the distributor 180 degrees off.  I think the procedure for installing the distributor is a different process.  I get that wrong then I could be pointing at number 6 thinking I was pointing at number one.  Step one, get the distributor install correctly then step two, follow the process identified my first thread. 

[kencombs]

21 minutes ago, dgrinnan said:

First thread is about wiring and identifying the correct location.  I have read you can have the distributor 180 degrees off.  I think the procedure for installing the distributor is a different process.  I get that wrong then I could be pointing at number 6 thinking I was pointing at number one.  Step one, get the distributor install correctly then step two, follow the process identified my first thread. 

 

2 hours ago, dgrinnan said:

I did a search.  I am sure this is documented somewhere but I could not find it.  I have a 218 in my 47 WC I am trying to start. It has been years.  It looks like the previous owner just randomly plugged in the spark plug wires into the distributor cap.  The distributor was loose and I have no faith it was drop into the engine in the correct postions.  I do have the engine sitting at zero degrees top dead center.  When I seat the distributor, how can I tell I do not have it sitting 180 degrees off.  I can try it in the position it was in before I pulled the dirtributor out (50-50 shot)but if there is a way to check it before I button everything back down it might save me some work.

Why do you think they are random?  Have you compared them to the firing order?

 

If #1 is in fact at TDC compression,  just install the distributor,   If the rotor points to about 7 o'clock you're good.   That is number one.   all the other wires go to their respective cylinders in the firing order, following the direction of rotation.

 

If it doesn't point there, report back with the actual direction so we can determine if the oil pump is installed correctly.   It doesn''t have to be on 7, and that doesn't have to be #1,   but it may make things easier for you to follow along.

[dgrinnan]

I am positive I am at top dead center. In addition to the timing marks being under the pointer I had the number one plug out with my finger over the hole.  It pushed my finger off the hole when it came around to TDC.  The reason I am concerned is the position of the rotor which should be pointing to the number one cylinder of the distributor is sitting at about 4 o'clock.  That might be okay.  I just want to confirm it's not an issue.  I know the firing order.  Locating the other wire locations on the distributor is easy once I am confident I have number one identified. 

Edited July 18, 2022 by dgrinnan

[DakotaFrank]

I am going to ask a question and maybe muddy the water.  I don’t know anything about Dodge flatheads, but have a lot of experience with Chevy 216 and 235 six cylinders.  The Chevy distributor shaft drives the oil pump.  The pump has a slot and the distributor shaft has a tang or flat end like a thick screwdriver that engages the slot.  As long as number 1 piston is on TDC, you can locate the number 1 spark plug wire at any location on the distributor, as long as the rotor points to it.  Then follow the 1-5-3-6-2-4 firing order.  Number 1 doesn’t have to be at 4:00, or 7:00, etc.   Does the Dodge distributor work like that?

[Plymouthy Adams]

cam drives the pump...pump has slot drive for distributor tang....time it as you wish in regard to slot position in this manner of drive set up...when you have established TDC and oreinted the plug wires to the cap you in business.....later if pulled and installed and neglected to check rotor position on pulling...you either on or 180 out.  The slot only became to be specifically mentioned to be at 7o'clock in later manuals.  

[dgrinnan]

Okay, based on the feedback I think I am okay.  To answer DakotaFrank's question the flathead does have a similar set up.  I also a 54 Chevy 1/2 ton with a 235 and they are similar.  I just didn't know if we had to be at a certain position.  Sounds like as long as TDC is confirmed the location in the distributor is what it is.

[Los_Control]

Just now, dgrinnan said:

Okay, based on the feedback I think I am okay. 

I understand the concern, in the past I have worked on vehicles where the distributor had a gear & was installed 1 tooth off. The mechanic just adjusted the plug wires to match. .... They ran OK, but never ran like they should. When I corrected the problem, the difference in performance was incredible.

 

Our flathead 6's .... or as @DakotaFrank suggest, distributors with a shaft do not care.

Distributors with a gear does matter?

Seems to me with a gear & adjust the wires, it is firing the cylinder but either too early or too late. But they do run.

[dgrinnan]

Update. Flathead started. I had a guy that has been working on these old vehicles for 56 years stop by.  My first issue is the distributor shaft bushing is worn out and there is too much play in the shaft allow the timing to vary as much as 2-5 degrees. My carburetor also needs rebuilt.  With all these problems we were able to get it to start and run.  We had to hook up a 12v battery to get the engine to spin fast enough.   Now that I know it runs and it actually sounded pretty good.  We have pulled the distributor and the carburetor.  Both will be rebuilt.  Once that is done, we can fine tune everything.