Distributor Removal for access to cam oil line

[mfiazzo]

Hi All,

Do you really need to remove the distributor to get at the left cam oil line?

If so, what is the proper way to remove the distributor?

Thanks all

[rusnak]

Turn the crankshaft pulley with a socket on the fan pulley until the TDC mark lines up with the mark on the bottom of the fan housing. Not sure which year you have, but this is usually the second of the two that are close together, with the other two marks being tdc for the other 4 cylinders.

When the rotor (take off the cap, the rotor, the dust cap, the replace the rotor) lines up with the mark on the distributor that is the reference for the cyl #1 wire on the distributor cap, you are at either tdc or one cycle off. Either way, you can remove the distributor if you won't be turning the crankshaft.

If for some reason you lose your reference, then you can insert a rubber tube into cylinder #1, and insert a safety ear plug into the tube. Bump the starter around with a remote starter button. When the ear plug shoots out, you're at tdc.

[mfiazzo]

Sorry, my car is a 1978 911SC

[boyt911sc]

Mike,

As suggested earlier, turn the crankshaft pulley at Z1 TDC (compression stroke) with the distributor rotor pointing towards the scribed marker for cylinder #1. Use a mark pen to indicate the position of the distributor body with respect to the crankcase. Use the stud for locking the distributor as reference point. When the time comes to install the distributor back, you have all the references needed.

Tony

[rusnak]

Yes, absolutely. Given that you have adjustable advance, this makes it easier to find the same advance setting when re-installing.

[mfiazzo]

Thanks Guy's. I figure I may as well replace them since I am replacing the rest of them.

[mfiazzo]

OK, stupid question of the day. how do you get at the crank shaft nut? There seems to be a bracket in the way. do i have to remove the bracket?

[K Sykes]

Use the fan nut. Press on the belt and you can turn the engine to TDC.

[mfiazzo]

Thanks K. I will give it a try.

[boyt911sc]

Mike,

I have a special tool for high compression engine to turn the crankshaft. But using the alternator pulley should work for you. PM me your address (home or office) and I'll drop it off if you need it. I'll be doing snow removal today. BTW, thanks a lot for the bottle of wine.

Tony

[Peter Zimmermann]

You should probably be able to replace the oil line by just removing the distributor cap (leave the plug wires attached) and rotor...

[mike sampsel]

I removed my distributor to replace my oil line. Was not bad, had to watch the wire harness as I could not get at the screw without dizzy out.

Before and after picks of the line: