MSD Distributor Installation/Orientation

iwantacobra427 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-28-2008, 05:13 PM

I hand turned the crank to TDC for No. 1 cylinder. The distributor went in without much hassle which surprized me (I turned the crank back and forth a little which helped fully seat it). I was following the directions from a engine rebuild book and they stated "the rotor must point toward 1". Do they mean No. 1 cylinder or the No. 1 spark plug position on the cap? It looks like in the attached picture the rotor is pointing to No. 1 cylinder. Is this right? Thanks.

rokndad · #2 (**permalink**) 09-28-2008, 05:31 PM

The rotor needs to point to No 1 spark plug wire in the cap. You also may be 180 degrees out so you need to make sure both valves on No 1 are closed to insure you're at zero TDC.

iwantacobra427 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-28-2008, 06:05 PM

I'm pretty sure I'm at TDC for compression on No. 1 cylinder. Both intake and exhaust valve springs are uncompressed for No. 1 cylinder. I think if I was 180 degrees out the exhaust valve spring would be compressed. Which line do I line up with the No. 1 spark plug wire cap position? The red line is close to the right position.

rokndad · #4 (**permalink**) 09-28-2008, 06:17 PM

In my case. the rotor is pointing to the pass side of the engine at the no 1 plug on the cap. The red line looks about right, except I think that after you put the rotor on that dist, the contact on the rotor won't be pointing in that direction. In any event, put your rotor on and it should point to about the 1 o'clock position assuming 12 o'clock is to the front. at zer TDC. If it doesn't then your a tooth or several tooths off.

SSSammy · #5 (**permalink**) 09-28-2008, 06:21 PM

IWC, attach the rotor and it will become clear. It is keyed to only go on in the correct orientation. The electrical contact of the rotor should be co-located with the #1 wire in the cap. Then you will only be off by 14 deg or so - the BTDC advance.

If it is off, pull the distrubutor out and reposition the rotor shaft. Note that the slant on the drive gear will cause a 20 deg or so rotation as you shove the distributor in, so you have to allow for that.

Sam