Distributor installation

[Herman]

Recently I removed the distributor from a 289 when I was tidying up the engine bay. However when I go to reinstall the distributor back into the correct position. The distributor shaft is hitting the oil pump shaft to one side within the cavity after its been repositioned back to the centre.

Does anyone know suggest the best way I can get around this problem.

Herman

[ozbilt]

Recently I removed the distributor from a 289 when I was tidying up the engine bay. However when I go to reinstall the distributor back into the correct position. The distributor shaft is hitting the oil pump shaft to one side within the cavity after its been repositioned back to the centre.

Does anyone know suggest the best way I can get around this problem.

Herman

Dob of grease down the hole to align the oil drive to the center.

[boofhead]

Normally the oil pump drive has a tapered end that promotes it to turn a little when engaging with the bottom of the distributor shaft - sometimes a little more forceful push or bounce it a little can make it move though be careful obviously.

In the case where the distributor shaft is shortened (I shortened mine and gbx78's) then you need to also create a chamfer on the shaft hole which also helps the engagement with the oil pump drive.

[hybrid]

I usually also hold the rotor button as I'm lowering the distributor and wiggle it back and forth a little bit to try and help it engage.

[boofhead]

Agreed - if you are really stuck I have used my oil pressure primer tool to turn the pump a little by hand then try the distributer install again.

[nassi]

In addition to the grease I have needed to jack a corner of the car to help bias that rascal rod.

[Ausjacko]

AND, check to make sure TDC is on the compression stroke for No 1 otherwise you can explode a muffler- don't ask how I know.

[Herman]

Thanks everyone for the helpful suggestions, the distributor is now back in place.

[Nuts]

It is possible that if too much force is applied, the oil pump shaft can be knocked straight through the oil pump into the sump. Seen this a couple of times.

[donoauto]

I have the easiest way (no offence to others) . That is to put a light pressure with your thumb on top of the rotor button while someone cranks the car - you only have to crank for half a second or so & it immediately drops into place.

[boofhead]

More than one way to skin a cat. All good suggestions.

[Astro]

I usually also hold the rotor button as I'm lowering the distributor and wiggle it back and forth a little bit to try and help it engage.

:rotfl:

Sorry - I'll get my infantile mind out of the gutter...

Cheers

J

[GRIFF]

I have the easiest way (no offence to others) . That is to put a light pressure with your thumb on top of the rotor button while someone cranks the car - you only have to crank for half a second or so & it immediately drops into place.

dono ive always done it that way, most times it drops in without pressure. and the best thing about having a solenoid on the inner guard is being able to crank the engine over by yourself with a screwdriver bridging the battery and 's' terminal (with that wire disconnected of course). its also a quick way to jog it close to tdc prior to removing the dist too.