distributor timing issue

[garhett]

Hey guys,

So I had to remove my distributor to make my last repair. Every thing went smooth and we got the distributor back in and eventually got her to run. At first after a little adjustment it was running even better then before I had removed it , but it seemed there was still a little ways to go before it was running "tip top." However my wire to the coil was actually too short to turn the cap anymore, so I simply pulled the dizzy back out and turned the whole assembly, making sure the rotor was lined up as before.

Here's where we started running into issues.

At first it would hardly run. So I took the dizzy back out and just turned the rotor itself 1 turn back counter-clockwise. Now we had better results, but still not nearly as good as before. Made a couple more attempts, but still not as good as the first try . Sun went down and the pizza was ready so we put down the wrench's for the night.

So I guess my question is that does the bevel gear on the bottom of the distributor really have to be lined up in a particular way with the worm gear on the cam shaft or is there something else we're missing?

[vandor]

No, the gear does not have to line up any particular way, as long as the rotor and distributor body is properly clocked.
However, you MUST adjust the timing with a timing light after you take out the dizzy. You did not mention that, so I assume you did not do it.

[garhett]

No, the gear does not have to line up any particular way, as long as the rotor and distributor body is properly clocked.
However, you MUST adjust the timing with a timing light after you take out the dizzy. You did not mention that, so I assume you did not do it.

Great thank you.

Actually did know that, already have the timing light. I know you need that to get it exactly where you want it, but I've also heard that it's something you can get close by ear.

[garhett]

Got it figured out! It's embarrassing but I guess I am a newbie. Didn't even bother to check the gap on my points... Somehow they worked themselves down to .0015! Got em back to .015 and it runs like a champ .

[124JOE]

cool