HELP. Need help with distributor removal/ installation.

[mthomas58]

I did not think to set the engine/dizzy rotor to TDC before removing the distributor for the purpose of installing a new Rennline Alt Strap. I could not get the dizzy back in easily - forced it and broke off the mounting ear.

Fortunately, I have a spare dizzy. What is the proper procedure for installing? Is the rotor position critical? Does it have to come out and go back in the same position?

Sonofab%#ch! I think I'll crack a beer and cool off relay while I wait for a reply



Today's projects:

New Rennline Stainless Alt Strap - freakin bolt is too short
NewWevo Engine Mounts
New Rennline Stainless Engine Mounting Bar

[K Sykes]

I got in the same pickle, minus the broken distributor. I got out of it by doing the following; put the car in 5th to rotate the crank and got to the TDC mark on the fan pulley. Lined up the rotor with the mark on the distributor (see this thread for what I mean 80 SC Distributor Orientation
Because the gears are curved, the rotor will move a bit when you seat it, can't remember which direction. It should NOT need force. Maybe a bit of motor oil on the O-ring to get it to go in easier. Once you get it in, try running it. You can be off by one tooth, and it might run but poorly. If that's the case, use a timing light to figure out with direction you need to rotate and pull it out just enough to feel the teeth just disengage, that's how you know you have only gone one tooth.

Good luck

Kinsley

[mthomas58]

Thanks for the help

(1) My 1987 is Motronic - timing is computer controlled - no timing light needed although I do think that I need to get the crank and rotor to TDC

(2) What did putting the car into 5th gear do? - Allow you to turn the crank by turning one of the rear wheels? (my car is up on jack stands at the moment)

[K Sykes]

Not sure about the motronic. For static timing, is there a TDC mark on the pulley you can index to?

5th gear was so I could push the car and get the motor to turn. I was not on blocks. Other option is to pull the sparkplugs so you can turn the crank.

[James Brown]

How the heck did you do that??? the distributor should literaly fall into position. it rotates CW so as you push it in the hole and before it is on the stud, wiggle the rotor shaft to engage the gear. it should slide right in and be fully seated. now look at the timing mark and see if it lines up. If it does not, remove, move, re-install till correct.
You could probibly get that tab welded as there is no adjustment. but best to get a replacement. (kind of pricey).
Some people are having trouble with the alt. strap bending at the clamp, let us know what you think of the strap. Are thoese Wevo solid motor mounts? Track car only?

[Gunter]

You need to set the pulley on the Z1 mark and ensure that the #1 cylinder is at compression stroke for CDI-engines but for DME it may not matter if you're on compression- or exhaust stroke? Any DME experts?
Also, the distributor on Carreras turns cw, not ccw like SC's.

With the rear wheels off the ground, engage 4th or 5th gear and turn the engine by the wheels to Z1.

Use a little oil on the shaft-seal and shaft and insert the distributor. A new seal offers some resistance. The small gear doesn't always engage into the worm-gear on the crank. When you feel it hitting the worm-gear, gently turn the rotor-shaft in the distributor a little to engage the gears and let the distributor slide down.

It would be extremely hard to break that tab.
What force did you use?