indexing the msd 8594 distributor

[wrench87]

i know you can start the wires any where you want, but where are people putting the # 1 wire? i do see a v and two # 1's on each side of the v only lower can i assume that is number 1 wich is stamped on the aluminum body,that would put the harness coming out of the distributor on the driverside in front. i dont have the motor back from the machinist yet so i am just thinking ahead, because it looks like the dis cap hold down would hit the boss on intake #5.

[RICK LAKE]

wrench 87 Back Again Indexing the distributor. This is going to repend on how much adjustment you will have once the intake manifold and other parts are on the motor. I have the 2 wires coming out to the front l/s of the motor. The best and easiest way to index the rotor phase is to cut a slot in the top of the distributor cap where #1 spark plug wire is going to be. Make sure the motor is on TDC of #1 cylinder and have the rotor centered on that terminal. If you put the hole in the top of the cap it makes it easy to check it with a timing light also with the motor running. Slotting is better than a hole. It will not hurt the cap. MSD caps are not cheap, Take the cap to an auto store and get a cheaper over the counter cap that will fit on the distributor. I think it's the old SBchevy ones that work from the 70's. Make sure you check the rotation of the distributor. Some are clock wise spinning others are counterclock wise. Set the wires up from there. Side note, basic tools to repair on side of road. Little kit in truck, cap,rotor,coil and module. Put in trunk with tools to do all these repairs. MSD caps have problems with the center carbon contact getting burnt out or breaking off. Some guys are running the gm caps with better longer life. This should help with this question, moving on---- Rick L.

[RedCSX1]

The reason the button is burning off is because the metal tang on te rotor is too far away from the carbon button on the cap and create too great of an electrical carge or heat. Bend the metal tang so its lightly rubbing the carbon button.

[RICK LAKE]

RedCSX1 Morgan you are right about having good contact between distrib cap and rotor. I have a brand new cap where the center fell out of. Was never on the car. Also the HV coils are hard on the carbon tip. I have burnt a hole in the center of the rotor. Think this a big reason the most V8 motors are running coil on plug setups and remove the wires or other parts from having problems like this. Rick L.

[Rick Parker]

They are running coil on plug ignition because most have redesigned the oil pump and no longer require the Distributor to turn it, plus triggering the coil packs with crank fire is much more accurate. Therby eliminating plug wires as we know them.

[CJ428CJ]

Bending the metal tang on the rotor up so it contacts the button on the cap works fine until you pull the cap off to see if the button is still there. At that point the button falls off and lands somewhere in the bottom of your distributor. Ask me how I know. lol

In any case, I've switched from buying genuine MSD caps and rotors to buying the Summit brand and haven't had a problem with the button falling off since.

Chris

[RedCSX1]

Hey Chris,

Hope you are doing well. Thanks for the tip. No pun intended.