Installing A Chevy Distributor - Back In Time Chp Step By Step

If the engine has cranked over (engine disturbed) or if you are starting the engine for the first time, you'll need to move the engine to top dead center (TDC) on the No. 1 cylinder to accurately install the distributor. To do this, begin by removing the No. 1 cylinder's spark plug.

Connect a remote starter switch to the starter to rotate the engine to just before TDC. If you have an assistant, they can bump the ignition switch while you monitor the timing mark on the balancer and timing tab. While intermittently cranking the engine over and simultaneously watching the timing marks, hold your finger tightly over the spark plug opening. When the engine is beginning to reach TDC you'll feel compression building on your finger.

Monitor the timing mark and stop cranking the engine when the mark lines up with the normal timing setting. In this case it is just about 10 or 11 degrees before TDC.

With the engine at the proper position, the distributor is ready to be reinstalled. To line up the distributor cap correctly we'll want the rotor (in this case) to aim perfectly forward, which requires beginning the installation with the rotor pointed about 11/48-turn clockwise (towards the driver side) from the forward position. As the distributor drops in, the rotor will turn counterclockwise 11/48-turn to aim forward. Of course, this will be ultimately dependent on the position of the oil-pump drive.

In this case the distributor did not go in at first. Instead of rotating the oil-pump drive, we dropped the distributor in and out through several rotating positions. Each time this is done the oil-pump drive rotates. Another method is to move the oil-pump drive with a remote starter switch or by turning the ignition key. Position the distributor's rotor 11/48-turn clockwise from the targeted position. Then, while slightly pushing the distributor downward, crank the engine. The distributor's rotor will turn in time with the engine. As the engine and distributor rotor turn, the oil-pump drive will rotate into position and allow the distributor to drop down.

Finally, verify that the rotor lines up to the proper plug terminal on the distributor cap. When the cap is correctly placed, secure it, tighten down the distributor, and adjust the ignition timing with a timing light.