How to Install A distributor in a 350 Chevy

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[@Ufordinner80]

Man, I am a younger guy working on my first 350 in a 69 Camaro and let me tell you.... people like you are what make the internet a fabulous place!!! Thank you so much sir for taking your hard earned free time to film, edit and educate those around you! Thank you!!

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Your welcome

[@davidramirez2408]

@@Myvintageiron7512 on. O. O okooo p90x bnlnnn

[@hansonburger]

"

[@darrylstrickland8163]

I agree first time

[@Biggdaddyhoncho]

Same bud I just turned 21 I’m getting started on my 350 rocket in my 87 regal

[@markt4265]

After struggling with my dist for over an hour, busting knuckles, back, and balls while laying atop my engine, I went inside and found your video. 15 minutes later my truck was running. Many thanks!

[@Myvintageiron7512]

No Problem Guys like you are the very reason I do all of these

[@layne7742]

Myvintageiron7512 what a reply 😂😂🤘🏻

[@SherpaIP]

This was one of the best informative videos I have seen. Over the years, I was one of those guys that always had trouble installing the distributor. I would always try to line up the female oil pump drive rod with the distributor and never got it right. After watching your video, I went to my garage and installed the distributor on my 65 Corvette within only a few minutes. There are so many other "how to" videos out there but they tend to ramble on and on. Yours was straight to the point and had a no nonsense approach to the topic. Thanks again.

[@Joe-xj2tb]

Ok so the rotor is at #6? - why did you rotate the engine for the rotor to slide into the oil pump as it os now off time did i miss something?

[@anthonyvandervort878]

I cannot express how happy I am for finding your video! This video has helped me get my truck running and for that I'm very grateful!

[@Myvintageiron7512]

I;m glad I could help

[@martin7013]

Installing a new coil on a Chevy small block

[@cardinalfan11000]

It's been a while also. I've done two s10 v8 swaps. First one was an 88 single cab shortbed. '63 327,5speed. Loved it. Second was a 92 same,350,auto. Always wanted to do a big block. I really enjoy your videos. If I was closer, I'd come help you shoe horn it in. Im just now 46,really would like to do another.

[@debskeeters5041]

@@Myvintageiron7512 added MEJODYSKEETERS

[@mrobvious5892]

@@Myvintageiron7512 18436572 1357. 2468. EIIE EIIE B2 x Stroke x #cyl x.7854 =C.I.D. Big whoop!😁

[@Bunghole1007]

This is without a doubt the simplest anyone has made one of these videos thank you so much

[@lordsauto]

Question sir.. As long as we are on #1 cyl compression stroke. a new hei will go in the same way as you have it. Reason is im replacing old points style with HEI and on #1 cyl comp stroke its not point at number 1 its like at #6 location..

[@lordsauto]

@Glock19 it worked thanks

[@PushrodMutant]

You, sir, are a blessing to men like me who didn't have good fathers.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Glad I could help

[@patrickpatrick9132]

I’ve watched thousands of how to vids. This is the best. No game show host theatrics, just the instructions.

[@066motocross]

Man I'm really glad I found this! You give a perfect explanation of exactly how to install a distributor. You must be a vocational teacher because you make it so clear, simple, and understandable! I subscribed

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Glad it helped!

[@jamese.manley998]

Set the oil pump drive shaft to 5&11 o’clock and it will drop

[@sierraridgereaper]

You dont need to... precisely the point of the vid...

[@youthmanrecords965]

I’ve seen at least 25 videos of installing a distributor. This is The best distributor video hands down.

[@waynep343]

please do another video... this time with a starter motor installed and using a remote starter button.. just the finger or even easier a single spark plug in the #1 cylinder to find the compression stroke.. (removing 2 thru 8 ..) when you turn the engine to seat the distributor on the oil pump shaft.. Stop the damper at the base timing mark you want without going past.. incase there is slack in the timing chain.. remove the distributor rotor and turn the housing to align the tips of the pickup coil with the tips of the reluctor on the distributor shaft.. that is where the distributor will fire the spark plugs.. this allows you to get the timing usually within 2 or 3 degrees of where you want it.. if you do this on an engine that is ready to start on the stand.. you will be amazed.. that one can install the distributor in seconds.. Huge hint.. when removing the distributor.. preset the crank so the rotor is pointing close to the #1 wire position.. take off the rotor.. slowly turn the crank in normal direction of rotation. till the reluctor aligns with the pickup coil . if you note the timing marks on the damper. you know know what the base timing was on the motor.. so you can remove the distributor and work on it or swap it.. and get it back in and reset the timing as described above.. allowing the engine to start without needing to turn the distributor to get it started... 4 stars for the above video..

[@Myvintageiron7512]

LOL now here's a guy that has worked on some engines! thanks for the idea for the next video everything you describe here is very close to how I've done it for years and you are right you can get the engine to fire up instantly great tips man I'll plan on doing this the next time I have an engine in my run stand

[@livewire2759]

Excellent advice wayne, I'd only change one thing. Instead of pulling 7 plugs, just pull the #1 plug and fill the hole with a vacuum cap. When the cap pops out you'll know it.

[@lynndragoman1573]

You can put a piece of tape on the manifold after setting the distributor at the exact amount of advance and use the tape to then align the cap. This make for no backfiring at all and the timing is usually extremely close.

[@woottonssmallengine6249]

I have always over complicated distributor timing in my head and you my friend have cleared the fog!

[@tckiser]

Don’t forget to put the gasket on the distributor! Good video of a really simple process!

[@jaybrown9942]

Thank you. You have refreshed my memory and taught me something new. I was one of those people that used the long screw driver to adjust the oil pump shaft, but now I see the better way to do it.

[@evanito99]

Thank you for the KISS method of Installing a distributor!!!!!!!

[@carlosquinones6584]

this is by far the best video I've seen on this.

[@johnmilner7603]

If you want the engine to fire right up without fiddling with the timing, rather than setting TDC on #1 comp at 0* on the timing tab, set your TDC to 10* BTDC then drop the distributor in. If your vacuum advance is hitting the intake and you need more timing you will need to lift the distributor off the cam gear and move the rotor 1 tooth clockwise.

[@petiecoe5294]

This cat has fired a few engines in his time, yes set a little lead in it, you do remember backfires with Holley carburetor often rupture the power valve

[@dirtmcgirt0420]

I've been trying to figure out why my distributor is a tooth off for a year now. Whoever put this motor together in my truck did exactly what you just said. Lol Because I can't find any timing marks on the balancer, but it runs too good to be out of timing.

[@LostProfitsGarage]

Ooooooold school mechanic here. In my 37 years of turning wrenches, this is the first time I've seen this....absolutely brilliant! Feel like a complete idiot for doing it all the wrong ways for all those years lol!

[@klizzyykicks1712]

How’d you do it then ? Screwdriver ?

[@LostProfitsGarage]

@@klizzyykicks1712 Yup, long flathead most of the time. Also used a modified distributor that was our oil pump priming tool.

[@klizzyykicks1712]

@@LostProfitsGarage man I literally got everything back together today and turned the key and it won’t turn over . I’m thinking I have the lifters too tights or I have the distributor clock slightly off 🤦🏾‍♂️..such a headache because I’m just a gear head not a mechanic . Pray for me bro

[@LostProfitsGarage]

@@klizzyykicks1712 What have you done with the engine? Complete rebuild, or partial overhaul?

[@klizzyykicks1712]

@@LostProfitsGarage took it alll the way down to the block . Clean everything and had the heads done with valves . Put everything back together with new gaskets and stuff. Hey lm thinking maybe I have the distributor in out of timing . Or maybe the lash is too tight in the push rods ? Ugh 😣 I just want it to crank over even it runs like crap .

[@markemery49]

Great video! As an alternate method, you can stop the crankshaft @ 6 to 8 degrees BTDC (# 1 on compression stroke) Now install the distributor, and loosely snug the hold-down clamp bolt. With the ignition coil in place, a spark plug cable connected to the # 1 cap tower, a spark plug in the boot of the # 1 cable, you will power up the ignition triggering unit. Next, you will rotate the distributor against the normal direction of rotation as you look for one spark event. (you may want to do this several times) When you see the spark event, stop and gently further lock the distributor down. Now you are close enough to BASE advance for the initial start-up.

[@dwcoop5390]

I pull number one spark plug and use a pencil or skinny screwdriver in plug hole until it sits on piston head then rotate crankshaft until piston comes to top, easier and gets you dead on dead center

[@MLFranklin]

Absolutely brilliant. First time I've seen this trick. In the past, I messed with small blocks and did it other ways, but this makes so much sense and I'm about to reassmble my upper end. So the timing is perfect (pun intended).

[@panheaddav6274]

you know i'm in my 50's started working on cars when i was 5 or 6. mostly chevys and this is the 1st time i've ever heard of putting a dist in this way. its always been a pain until now. thanks, Dave

[@bobsilver3983]

Great video, you are a great man for taking the time to help people like me that struggle with stuff like this. A plus from Bob Silver!

[@thetodd45]

holy cow what a great video I wish I had seen this a couple of years ago. at least I can get my timing right now. thank you.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

no problem

[@almor457]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge ill help me to fix my 82 c10 GOD bless u for helping people bcos thats what u are doing helping people with your knowledge! Thaks

[@496elcamino2]

Just like the others, what a simpler way, no more struggling. Excellent explanation!

[@squarebody-stuff]

Im 17, ive got a 1983 chevy c20 that was originally a inline 6, this makes the third small block ive put in it, even after having 4 separate motors in my truck everyone has a different way of teaching/ explaining it and having nobody to teach me how to do theses things ive found most videos just waste my time however the in depth explanation you gave all of your viewers is exactly what i needed. Thank you sir, here’s hoping this one wont sling a rod like the last ones

[@curtisbrown6267]

GREAT VIDEO Just replaced my heads on a Vortec 5.7 350. now it won't start. is it possible the timing is off?...#1 spark plug lights up

[@w41duvernay]

Thanks Myron!! You have answered one of my biggest questions on aligning a distributor with the oil pump shaft. Finally!!!

[@Dynaglide92rc]

You da man, I fought my dist for 45 min before watching your video, tried your method and worked great. Rotated engine and Bingo , it was dead on 0 degrees TDC. Thanks a lot.

[@danielboone72]

Thanks! Great video! When you hook up the number #1 spark plug wire, does it go where is rotor is pointing at AFTER you seated the oil pump gear? OR before, when you made TDC right after turning it to zero degrees on the damper?

[@chrisparrinello4192]

You ever get a answer on this I’m baffled trying to put one in a rebuilt ford 351 /m also does the rotor that’s to point at #1 do you use the end that makes contact with the cap or the opposite end according to the diagram in my book my rotor would be pointing to #6 if your using the part that makes contact with the cap

[@kevinjones5695]

Good video, helps alot BUT, the distributor i bought is an MSD PRO-BILLET DIST ready to run with (NO Vaccuum Advanace) thingy on the side, so how do I set the body in the right spot?

[@Xtreme-Reviews]

After All These Years & You Are Still Helping Ppl With This Video! Thank you 😎

[@zazazicerv2118]

I though that after all has been set up, top dead center etc. wherever the distributor points that's the cylinder number 1, isn't it?

[@eugene983]

Worked like a charm. Very helpful and simple. Thanks

[@heavenstomurgatroyd7033]

I'm a vintage person now and I remember learning this in Autoshop and becoming very good at it. I was the rotor rat in my circle of friends. With modern ignition and such I forgot, thanks for making me feel 18 again! Carry on sir....

[@spraym88]

This is the BEST video ive seen on KZbin for distributor install. Thanks

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Thanks

[@jefferyrightmire9520]

You have it right- I used the screwdriver method several times but this method makes it easy and one shot --done.

[@Mal_ware_666]

So I swapped a points with an hei without turning the engine to top dead center I just put the hei in EXACTLY the way the points sat when it was taken out and it started and runs fine. Is this only necessary if you don't have it set up like that?

[@Fullthrottle440Garage]

I'm an LS guy . Haven't worked on an old small block in a while, just getting back into it with my new project. Has a 327 in it I'm gonna freshen up. Thanks for the video. Very well explained and right to the point.

[@jonminnella4157]

Yeah this is really important I came across a lot of vehicles that had Distributors installed a few degrees out and run like crap most common symptom I found was backfiring up through the carburetor

[@LovePuddleProductions]

This was the simplest best explanation of what I needed to know I wish I had seen this sooner but now I can fix my problems with my timing easily thank you so much for this video !

[@Adam_B]

Best video Ive found so far for the SBC. Really helped me out. Thanks!

[@pauljanssen2624]

One thing I used to do with setting Distributors and engines was if I wanted to timing Mark at 8 degrees I will set the timing at 10 and whether you're at points or electronic distributor you could set the distributor timing so accurate that you just watch the points open or with electronic distributor you set up to where the trigger Wheels are lined up and a little bit of head most of the time I didn't to reset the timing you said everything just degree ahead and it works out perfect thanks same thing with priming carburetors making sure your oils prime before you start it up and then set your distributor in by the way I learned this method from working on VW engines very accurate way to set timing that way if your have your carburetor projected and primed timing set then all you have to do is make sure that you breaking the can breaking the Rings throw light on it double check it and recheck the carb settings besides double-checking oil and water

[@mcphotolock1]

Great video, I WAS a screwdriver and flashlight guy. Great tip,

[@froglobster]

mcphotolock1 That’s funny I did that several times over the years too!

[@thomasbommer8170]

Thank you for the video. VERY helpful. I just picked up a 68 chevy c10 with a 307 and mallory distributor that was junk and now dropping in a new 1 and this will really help get it running.

[@ironhorse127]

All my life I would take the long screwdriver and try to line up the oil pump shaft. Once I saw how simple this method is, I' ve never done it the hard way again. Thx for a great video.

[@mototrxsr3846]

Now that your rotor has moved to the other side. Does your # 1 spark plug wire start on the side the rotor is pointing?

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Yes, that is correct, that will get you in the ballpark so you can time it with the light, I would recommend you watch the video I'm linking here it will help give a better understanding of timing kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXPVkKyFbbCMma-cttps://kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXPVkKyFbbCMma-cttps://kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXPVkKyFbbCMma-cttps://kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXPVkKyFbbCMma-cttps://kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXPVkKyFbbCMma-cttps://kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXPVkKyFbbCMma-cttps://kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXPVkKyFbbCMma8

[@rhshel]

does this also hold true with a old 1986 5L 305cu in motor? If so that is a great idea and a help in installing a new distributor !!

[@wildestcowboy2668]

Dis nigga be a good mechanic he explain it so eazy

[@borax747]

This is the simplest way I have seen anyone explain on how to install a distributor on a Chevy engine thank you so much for posting this video

[@jameshester1450]

There are more ways than you will ever know

[@brentadams318]

Just wanted to say thank you for the video. Had to rebuild my 383 and was a little confused by the timing. This video broke everything down perfectly for me and was easy to follow and understand. You really helped me out there, thanks a ton! Great video!

[@boaz87]

Great vid man, really appreciate the way you demonstrated this and the rotating the engine by hand to mesh the oil pump with the distributor is a keen tip; great work and please keep the videos coming!

[@pauljanssen2624]

I was going to add something to this video make sure you prime the engine before you put your distributor in

[@rearspeaker6364]

good idea!!

[@blownaway4371]

You CAN'T prime a Chevy engine without the distributor in!!! The body of the distributor acts as a partial plug for an oil galley. (oil goes around the body itself. It's the round groove/chamfer right above the gear) If you leave the distributor out, you won't get full pressure/reading and won't get the oil to the rest of the motor that galley feeds to. Also, BEWARE of these $50 'china specials' that have inferior gear material and or NO lube or grease in/around the distributor shaft. That WILL send metal shavings right down into your oil pan and or seize your new distributor. Might not be immediate.. But it's a ticking bomb. I always pop off the 'china' one and install original Chevy or spare gear. Then, pack it (the gear) with grease right before you 'drop it in' the motor. Whatever gets slung off, won't hurt anything, and not enough to plug a filter. And check for the CORRECT heat transfer grease under the module. NOT Di-electric grease. NOT the same.

[@blownaway4371]

Pause it at 2.46. ...ok, so it's not round, you'll see. it's the 3/8's gap in the body

[@rearspeaker6364]

@@blownaway4371 but, you can prime the oil pump before installing the distributor in. and, i away take apart those china distributors and grease up the bushings, reassemble them with a new gear ,shimmed to where there's only .010 play between the gear and the body.

[@blownaway4371]

@@rearspeaker6364 Oil pump itself YES. Block- not so much. Pump NOT pick-up, can pack in Vaseline if it's going to be sitting for a long time before starting/break in. Otherwise a quality assembly lube that's high tack will usually stay around the gears for a good while before it becomes ineffective. (like weeks--months)

[@toddbob55]

Hate Distributor in the back....I like how Ford put it in front.

[@transam8607]

Omg I spent about 15-20 minutes for no reason today this is so easy the way you did it all I can say live and learn and one of the best videos I've seen explaining it as simple as it can get.

[@laneofficial7183]

I cannot express how much this video helped me. I blew a head gasket on my 350 small block and after about 8 times of trial and error before I watched this video I could never get it re timed. After watching this video she fired right up. Thank you so much man!

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Glad it helped!!

[@DonziGT230]

I recently bought a truck with a new Vortec 5.7, and a bunch of other new stuff, for $200 because it wouldn't start. He installed the distributor 180 degrees off, when it wouldn't start he got pissed, slammed the hood, and gave up on it. I expected something crazy, maybe an electrical/electronic problem that would be hard to diagnose. I was shocked to find out that he abandoned it over such a simple mistake.

[@johnjohnson5150]

Very nice. and informative info.,on a simple way to install the distributor!

[@xXcashXx3]

i was just watching this video for the hell of it now i found out i been doing it the hard way all this time with the crew driver thanks im try this next time

[@thomasboomhower6719]

Love all the S B C tips. Thanks

[@tylersommerville7776]

the best video and explanation I've found when looking up this issue. great work

[@bradnoble2855]

done the screwdriver method but I like your method better :-)

[@jeremycribb4696]

Thank you for this “crystal clear” way to get this job done. I got it done with confidence, all this after a week of getting it all wrong.

[@MoparMan-ff8fb]

I'm working on my dads 1978 chevy truck with a stock 350 and a stock gel distributor. I tried all the tricks you just showed and the distributor still doesnt sit all the way down? it still has a gap . I even had to take the oil pan off to replace the leaking gaskets and took out the oil pump and oil pump shaft. and the distributor still wont fully engage ? I shined alighr up between the block and the crank shaft and can see the distributor gears sitting right next to the gears on the cam shaft . while shining the light on the same area I have someone bump the starter and can see the cam rotating but not the gear on the distributor.? I have replaced the gear on the distributor with a new stock gear . I did notice the cam moves back and forth 1/2" to 1" when a long heavy duty strait edge screw driver is put between the cam lob and the engine block. didnt know if it's suppost to have that much play ?

[@Myvintageiron7512]

I know I'm a little late on this, but the movement of your cam is a big problem most likely a timing chain problem

[@perjonsson2876]

Finally a video I understand. Thank you, I am very grateful 👍👍

[@vegachronicles2540]

the Best instruction video on setting distributor , Thank you , much appreciated

[@josephbrandt3359]

I've got an important question... I recently had my motor completely rebuilt. I haven't started it up since I got it back from the machine shop. (10/03/23) It was run on a DYNO and I brought it home that same day. It is a BBC 396 I'm just about ready to fire it up, but the weather is becoming cold...Low 50's in the afternoon. Here is what I was going to do while the motor is on TDC while the spark plugs are out of the motor: 1. I was going to run an oil pump priming tool first, in order to get the oil pumped throughout and up to the top end at the rockers. 2. Install the distributor as the motor is at TDC. 3. Turn the key over for a few seconds to prime the carburetor, without the spark plugs installed, and no power to the distributor. 4. Install the valve covers, spark plugs, coil wire, and make one last visual inspection ensuring all power is supplied, fuel is ready, and finally hope to God I've done everything correctly. Is this the proper procedure, or should I be doing something different. If so, what can you recommend? I have had the motor wrapped in blankets, with plastic covering the rockers, since I brought the motor home. I just don't want to do any damage to this motor. Fresh oil is in the pan, coolant was added last weekend (11/18/23) and now I feel confident after watching your videos, that I may have success with this. Just nervous!!!

[@LeFraudHasChokedInSIXFinals]

7:05 = brilliant. I'd always used the screwdriver method but this is easier.

[@inell6]

I was trying to set my timing on a 79 Vette in order to pass smog in Calif. The hood tag reads it should be 8 BTC at 500 RPM. The problem was I couldn't get it to read 8 BTC because the vacuum advance would hit the intake manifold. I tried reinstalling the distributor 3 times but it wouldn't line up with the number one cylinder without the vacuum advance still hitting the manifold. So what worked for me was to rewire the spark plug wires on the distributor. I moved the number one counter clockwise to where the number two was, and number two to where the number 7 was and so on. This gave me room to move the distributor and the vacuum advance wouldn't hit. Passed smog with no issues. Thought this might help any Vette or other model chevys with a 350 living n Calif.

[@brendabarton-espino2884]

Do actually want Women to understand this!? At the end you say point at #1, then set in, it is now pointing at #6 and you say , you can now start it .... Wait ... You told me it needs to point at #1, then Don't show me how you put it BACK THERE, saying "IF I go back there...." And leave it at that ... ? Call me Blonde .... I'm supposed to Assume?

[@TheJOHNGRANT1]

I've had a lot of people tell me to have 7-15 degrees of advance timing on # 1 cylinder when putting the distributor in that correct or should it be at dead center?

[@totlawn1]

I want to thank you for this video! I was banging my head against the wall. I am a little thick so had to watch this several times but alas I got it.My balancer did not have any numbers on it anymore and I was not sure where on the the "pointer" was the 0 line. Once I watched the vid for the 8th time I see where you lined it up and BANG! I got spark. The advance adjustment was easy once I was in the oil pump drive. It took me two days but I finally got it... Thank you once again!

[@larsturner310]

Yup, sometimes ya gotta watch a video more than once. No shame in that.

[@MikeBaxterABC]

Great Video!!! It's been a few years since I've done all this :) ... and I'm getting old :) ... I took all notes in "NOTEPAD" on the computer to print out. Have my brand new HEI distributor coming early next week :) Going to be a great upgrade for the old truck!! :)

[@Shade_tree_garage01]

Now my distributor has to be dropped in at 14* BTDC, for the large cam it has in it, is that proper?

[@onewheelup]

back in 2006 a friend and i installed a chevy crate engine the 350 HO in my 95 z71,my friend installed the distributor but im now wondering years later if he did it right,lol messed up huh.it needs a tune up,oil,plugs cap and rotor and i need to check this.so thanks man.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Great job explaining.

[@HeyLanny]

Excellent job of teaching. Very clear and a great show me how video. Only thing I am still concerned with is the rotor was pointing to the other side but if I place the distributor cap on and the wire for Number one Cylinder is on the left side of the 350 engine is it really pointing in right direction with the rotor to the left. That seems to be a long distance to turn the base to. The video ended at that point so I was unsure but as you stated about old school. I am 73 and of the old school and was taught to use a screw driver to line up the oil pump rod so the rotor will still be facing number one cylinder. Anyway I subscribed and will be watching more. Thanks. Good Job.

[@chuckvenable4409]

WAIT just a minute here !!!! If your old enough to own a early model Chevy with a 350 CU , then you should already know how to remove the distributor. This video seems creepy otherwise.

[@jimmynickels158]

I don't mean to be an asshole and please don't take this that way but you don't have to go through this process of turning the engine to get the distributor to align with the pump shaft. I'm 60 years old and have been working on sbc's since I was 14, just get your top dead center and drop the distributor in aiming rotor at #1, if it doesn't align with oil pump shaft and completely seat against the intake just lift and move rotor until it aligns with oil pump shaft and drops in. If your rotor is not at#1 just lift the distributor up and move rotor back a tooth on the cam gear and each time you lift the distributor it moves the oil pump shaft, no need for the old long screwdriver trick, keep lifting distributor and moving the rotor back and after a couple of times, three at most the distributor will drop right in fully meshed with the cam gear and seated on the intake with rotor pointing directly at#1. It's the fastest way

[@davidhamilton9902]

Bump engine to it poofs back it up tdc with a screw driver in number 1 cylinder look down on timing marks to check it and drop the distributor in point to rear bolt on driver side back of carb put the claw snug so it holds it firm but to where it rotates and fire it up then put timing light if stock for to 8° on harmonic lock bolt down and done if it dosnt start jump wire 180 out and you will know if you put the distributor in backwards because it will fire by this i mean start #2 on distrust and do the 18436572 ive seen people do it backwards not knowing what they are doing and car will not start i like to bump it with stater and #1 plug out till it blows my finger out and i know it compression stroke

[@shilosenquiz3241]

I’m so thankful for your video. Makes complete sense and didn’t take the camera off the area you’re working on, which most folks do, so I could see exactly what you’re talking about and exactly what I need to do. Thank you so much!!

[@KalashZikov]

I heard of you through Uncle Tony’s garage, you really are a godsend. I just got news from my mechanic that my 87 El Camino quit on me last week due to my Ignition coil. My question is is that separate from the distributor or something I could take out if it goes bad? I’d hate to think I’d have to do this if it ever happens again. Thanks.

[@govsux1]

This is one of those things that's so simple but if somebody is new and doesn't know it can be a big WTF moment! lol Great video !!!! You can be one tooth off and tun out of adjustment because the vacuum advance hits the valve cover. If so just lift it up carefully and feel it over one tooth

[@fleetwin1]

Huh! What a sensible, simple method for sure. This stuff gets confusing for me, especially comparing fords (front dist) to chevy (rear dist), cylinder numbering and rotor rotation!

[@patrickdevlin5670]

What identification Mark's on my crate motor tell me what GM hei to purchase.bought crate motor installed my intake and distributor.runs like crap do I buy any hei distributor

[@davidyj9013]

Not everyone has the engine on a stand. Do this with engine in the vehicle to have a more real world experience. You'll then show people how much more difficult it is to rotate the engine. How do I know this? Been there, done that many times, but now retired.

[@Joe-xj2tb]

Wait- So being t.d.c what your saying is the rotor direction doesnt matter - well if ya do that then you are no longer t.d c on #1 comp stroke, Your crank and cam would be at t d c but the rotor would be at ? then by the time the rotor got around to fire #1 the engine would be @ 8?

[@danielrickel8807]

Install a distributor with the motor in the vehicle and you'll understand why I prefer Buicks or Ford's or big block Chryslers.

[@vancecastor8075]

If you didn't line up the mantle to female connection would the motor just crank and not start I've been trying to get my truck running for two days now and Im hoping I just didn't line it up right

[@anomalous9448]

I am 73 years old and been tinkering with cars forever and have NEVER seen this method. How much time I have wasted. Thanks.

[@killshot2333]

Sir I would like to know what is the part number on that o ring please mine did not come with one and has been spitting up oil every time I run it please let me know I appreciate it thank you I have a 67 Fairlane 302

[@jmonster55]

Can I do this with taking a socket and breaker bar to the harmonic balancer?? I don’t wanna take it apart up front! And could I also do that by bumping the key in the ignition?

[@jimthomas7251]

Kinda easy with the engine on a stand in the middle of a garage floor , Try it in the car with everything still hooked up , I have done it more times than you have fingers and toes , With points and HEI distributors

[@ronniecox109]

Get engine at 9 degrees BTDC put your advance where it needs to be. Drop dizzy in with rotor pointing dead at no. 1 contact. Works every time.

[@cecilandrews7479]

This video makes me sad okay I just learned how to put a distributor in I'm going to make a video on it. If you don't know how to install a distributor on any engine you have no business working on it.

[@bruceturek262]

Great information thanks for sharing getting ready to install a HEI in my 72 Elcomino Didn’t realize about that shaft Thanks