I Spy

[Neal Colingham]

How do I ID the type of distributor I have
without taking it out of the car. It's a 76 2.0 with a weber conversion. Done by a reputable shop in 86. I expect it's a 009
but i'm not sure. Installing a crane optical
ignition and need to know what type it is.

[LHAYES]

I had the same problem last week...I used a cheapy inspection mirror from Harbor Freight and a flashlight. I found the "OO9" number on the side of the distributor body that faces the fan housing. I slipped the mirror down near it a shined the flashlight on the mirror and voila...I could see the number reflected in the mirror(in reverse of course). Good luck.

[Rouser]

It would be so, SO much easier to know for sure what type of distributor you have by temporarily pulling it.

Remove the distributor cap and note the position of the rotor. Put a pencil or chalk mark on the distributor or engine tin relative to the position of the rotor. If you remove the 12-13mm nut bolting the distributor bracket to the engine case, tighten and not disturb the 10mm nut that clamps around the distributor housing, you can gently pull the distributor out without affecting the timing.

Look at the distributor housing; if the last three (3) numbers of the part number are 009, than of course you have a 009. This also applies to the 050 (if you're so equipped), which uses a similar-appearing, but different, cap & rotor. The original FI distributor was vacuum advanced/retard assisted (with internal FI trigger points), and tended to utilize the 009's cap & rotor. Their last 3 are different, but will convert over to the proper module.

Installation is the reverse, while giggling the rotor as you insert the distributor back into the hole (just to get it to "seat"). Confirm the reseat, than bolt it back down. Put on the cap, crank it over, and backfire through the carbs (Kidding! Don't panic!).