DISTRIBUTOR RESETTING
Problem - How do I reset the distributor?
Possibility 1 - Well there is an easy way to do this and the best way to do this. You need to start by rolling the engine to top dead center (TDC). This is where the number 1 cylinder ( the rear cylinder passenger side closest to the rear corner of the car) reaches the highest point in the compression stroke (Actually the center of the highest point since the piston dwells at TDC a few degrees). There is a timing mark PMS you can see from under the car on the flywheel through a little view port in the housing. Make a pointer to mount to the front of the engine and mark a line on the balancer in white or yellow paint. (Even white out works but later washes off). Model paint and a fine brush work very well just make sure to keep the line fine and mark it to where you can see from above with a timing light. Install the distributor with the pointer on the number 1 cylinder and snug enough to where you can turn a little.Buy a degree timing light that allows you to advance timing by simply dialling in a setting. Block off the vacuum retard and start the engine. I run mine at 7 degrees but I had the vacuum retard removed and recurved my distributor. I cant remember the factory setting but look on jalpachat for the degrees or someone can chime in. Make sure to set the belt tension. Move the distributor with the engine running until the pointer lines up with the mark and your light is set to the prescribed degrees of advance. If you feel more adventurous, find top dead center with a dial indicator and mark it that way. I made a piston stop for number 1 to find EXACT TC. The mark underneath is a little ambiguous. Once the timing is set she will run great.
Possibility 2 - Well here is the "I am in the middle of nowhere" with no measuring tools. Take out the spark plug for cylinder 1 and put your thumb over the plug hole. You will feel the compression stroke as you cycle the motor on the starter (Coil primaries need to be disconnected).
After you are comfortable with the feel as the compression cycle starts, stop and put a pencil or chop stick in the plug hole and gently roll the car in gear until the chop stick no longer rises. This is TDC (more or less). Set the distributor to fire at plug number 1 . Reconnect the distributor leads and start the motor.
Later you can fine tune the timing on the motor the traditional way.
Possibility 3 - The stick and finger method is correct . It will get you close. You still need a good mark to set timing from. Remove the starter and rotate the engine a few degrees at a time until the mark comes into the view. You will see it through the starter hole as well. Make a pointer even if it is coat hanger wire and mark the balancer. The marks on the cam pulley can move after cam chain adjustment. Someone just put them there for their own reference. The crank is the only accurate timing reference point. Spend the little time it takes to make the pointer and mark the balancer. You will be glad you did in the long run. I use mine all the time.
Problem - How do I reset the distributor?
Possibility 1 - Well there is an easy way to do this and the best way to do this. You need to start by rolling the engine to top dead center (TDC). This is where the number 1 cylinder ( the rear cylinder passenger side closest to the rear corner of the car) reaches the highest point in the compression stroke (Actually the center of the highest point since the piston dwells at TDC a few degrees). There is a timing mark PMS you can see from under the car on the flywheel through a little view port in the housing. Make a pointer to mount to the front of the engine and mark a line on the balancer in white or yellow paint. (Even white out works but later washes off). Model paint and a fine brush work very well just make sure to keep the line fine and mark it to where you can see from above with a timing light. Install the distributor with the pointer on the number 1 cylinder and snug enough to where you can turn a little.Buy a degree timing light that allows you to advance timing by simply dialling in a setting. Block off the vacuum retard and start the engine. I run mine at 7 degrees but I had the vacuum retard removed and recurved my distributor. I cant remember the factory setting but look on jalpachat for the degrees or someone can chime in. Make sure to set the belt tension. Move the distributor with the engine running until the pointer lines up with the mark and your light is set to the prescribed degrees of advance. If you feel more adventurous, find top dead center with a dial indicator and mark it that way. I made a piston stop for number 1 to find EXACT TC. The mark underneath is a little ambiguous. Once the timing is set she will run great.
Possibility 2 - Well here is the "I am in the middle of nowhere" with no measuring tools. Take out the spark plug for cylinder 1 and put your thumb over the plug hole. You will feel the compression stroke as you cycle the motor on the starter (Coil primaries need to be disconnected).
After you are comfortable with the feel as the compression cycle starts, stop and put a pencil or chop stick in the plug hole and gently roll the car in gear until the chop stick no longer rises. This is TDC (more or less). Set the distributor to fire at plug number 1 . Reconnect the distributor leads and start the motor.
Later you can fine tune the timing on the motor the traditional way.
Possibility 3 - The stick and finger method is correct . It will get you close. You still need a good mark to set timing from. Remove the starter and rotate the engine a few degrees at a time until the mark comes into the view. You will see it through the starter hole as well. Make a pointer even if it is coat hanger wire and mark the balancer. The marks on the cam pulley can move after cam chain adjustment. Someone just put them there for their own reference. The crank is the only accurate timing reference point. Spend the little time it takes to make the pointer and mark the balancer. You will be glad you did in the long run. I use mine all the time.
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