Dist. install

[shatar4]

I have a new MSD distributor and I am trying to put it in my 340. If I go by the instructions, it says to turn the motor to TDC and the distributor drive gear should be pointing toward cylinder #1 as it is.

[shatar4]

It then says The rotor can end up in one of two positions. You need to install the distributor so that the rotor is facing towards the #1 cylinder. If it is pointing to the rear of the engine then lift the distrubutor and turn the rotor 180 degrees. My rotor is facing #8 cylinder. Whats the problem?

[asm74]

Thoughts....
1) make sure the distributor drive gear is firmly engaged with the camshaft gear

2) Make sure the distributor housing and o-ring are sinking low enough to engage the drive gear.  I've seen distributor housings that need a little "influence" to engage all the way.

3) make sure the distributor tab is firmly inserted into the drive gear slot.  If you pull the distributor and the drive gear is pointing to cylinder 1 firing (both valves fully closed) try dropping the distributor in with the rotor also pointing to cylinder one (you may need to visually inspect with the cap to approximate the correct positioning), and gently wiggling the rotor while pressing the distributor housing down.  When its right, you should hardly be able to move the rotor. 

4) compare your old distributor and rotor to the new one.  Try re-fitting the old one to make sure you're not going crazy .  If the old goes in as expected, then return the msd unit, or find another one to compare it to, but I don't think it's possible incorrectly install a rotor... 

[Chryco Psycho]

either put #1 wire where it is pointed to now & wire the rest sequentially or rotate the oil pump drive until the rotor is pointed where you want it & wire from there

[mikerallye]

That looks like a chevy rotor button??

[matt63]

Relocating the oil pump drive gear can be a bit of a pain.  I bought a large magnetic with a loop on top of it to aid on getting the drive gear out.  I just plop it on top of the gear and rotate and pull.

[Chryco Psycho]

just use a large slotted screwdriver & rotate the drive so it slides up out of mesh with the cam until it points where you want it to

[matt63]

just use a large slotted screwdriver & rotate the drive so it slides up out of mesh with the cam until it points where you want it to

Maybe I have weak wrists CP