Distributor installation

1977 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO
10,000 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
DAVID DABBS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I brought the engine to top dead center. When I took the cap off and I noticed the rotor was not facing the number one spark plug. Do I install the new distributor the same way it came out or do I turn the engine over with a wrench and line the timing marks to o on the harmonic ballancer?
May 19, 2018 at 10:06 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 34,321 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
If the engine ran with the old distributor, it was in right, so put the new one the same way.

If you go by the timing marks, you still have a fifty percent chance of getting it wrong. To be sure it is right, you would also have to remove number one spark plug so you can be sure that piston is coming up on the compression stroke, not the exhaust stroke.

Why are you changing the distributor, or what problem are you trying to solve? How far off was the rotor from the spark plug terminal on the cap? If it was exactly 180 degrees off, rotate the crankshaft once more and it will be right on.
May 19, 2018 at 6:39 PM
Avatar
DAVID DABBS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks, I put the new distributor in brought the number one piston top dead center and lined the harmonic balancer to 0 the new distributor dropped in perfect! Thanks for your advice. Running great!
Video (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
May 23, 2018 at 10:11 PM
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 34,321 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Dandy. Happy to hear you solved it. Come back and see us again.
May 24, 2018 at 7:04 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.