Distributor installation
 

Hi All.

Just rebuilt my 84 3.2 and I am installing the distributor. I have set the TDC on #1 and lined up the marks on the distributor and installed it as instructed. A friend has said have I installed it on the compression stroke. TBH I just followed the instructions, there is nothing about checking for the compression stroke. Can anyone help with this please?

chateau,

The crankshaft rotates twice for each revolution of the distributor. So if you are at TDC with the rotor facing the notch in the distributor housing, at #1 sparkplug, you should be fine. Your friend is correct, you are on the compression stroke and the sparkplug for cylinder #1 should be firing at this time.

Best of luck,

Rahl

Actually he could still be 180 out. Yes the piston is at TDC and yes he dropped the distributor in properly etc but where is the camshaft at?
I’m not saying he did or didn’t do it correctly, but what I pointed out is why so many folks get this wrong. Only when #1 piston is TDC AND it’s valves are closed is it properly ready for the distributor to drop in and point at spark plug wire number 1.

Good point Ken!

Rahl

Thank you!

Removing the 1-3 intake valve cover, you should feel the .1mm valve lash on the #1 rocker
With pulley on Z1, the rocker rocking loose, you’re on compression stroke, your distributor should be approaching the mark on the distributor base signifying TDC
180 out is IF #1 rocker is tight, rotate the pulley 360 degrees to Z1 the #1 rocker will now be loose
reset the distributor to #1 mark on dist edge
Bruce

Thanks for the info

When no. 1 cylinder is at/near TDC on the compression stroke, both intake and exhaust valves should be closed, thus both rocker arms have clearance to the camshaft.

However, it may be faster to remove no. 1 spark plug to feel for compression (with hose or equiv.) as engine rotates (manually or with remote switch).

In either case, rotate engine so the pulley TDC notch lines up with the crankcase split.

Sherwood

you can set distributor based on pulley mark alone. 50/50 it will be correct. If not correct you just redo 180 degrees different and it should be good. Quicker and easier than opening valve cover to look at valvetrain