First this disclaimer....
I have done this before on lots of different makes of cars, except of course
on my 1500 Spitfire.
That said, you shouldn't have a problem removing the distributor, and
re-installing it to a location that allows you to adjust the timing. More
than likely, the problem occurred because the distributor has been out before
and when reinstalled it was put in a tooth or two off from it's optimal
position. Just make sure that the timing of the distributor is set close to
the timing of the engine and you can put it just about anywhere that works.
When you take out the distributor and when putting it back in the shaft will
turn, the gears between it and the camshaft cause this. The oil pump drive
will also have to be turned to align it with the distributor prior to
re-installing the distributor.
Thanks,
Paul Mostrom
'77 Spitfire 1500
'80 Ford F-100 (Triumph Support Vehicle)
'Black holes, where God divided by zero......'
From: Nick Moseley [mailto:nmoseley@comsavings.com]
Sent: Monday, May 24, 1999 5:25 PM
To: spitfires@autox.team.net
Subject: Distributor orientation
O wise listers:
On my recent acquisition, the distributor is oriented so that the vacuum
unit is at 9 o'clock, leaving no room between it and the alternator to
attach the vacuum line. (I want to change it so that the vacuum unit line
attachment point is pointing at around 5:30).
I know that the line should be attached, but am very apprehensive about
lifting and re-orienting the unit.
My plan so far:
-remove the cap
-attach masking tape to the end of the rotor and to the top of the casing,
-make alignment marks on both pieces of tape to keep the rotor pointing to
the same point.
-remove the bolts securing the distributor to the block (and the pinch
bolt for setting the timing, otherwise I won't be able to remove the unit,
it will want to turn and has no clearance between the vacuum unit and the
alternator).
-remove the unit, turn it, and set it back into place.
-I will likely have to turn the cog underneath the distributor shaft, but I
think thats for the oil pump, so shouldn't make a difference.
Anyone see any pitfalls to this plan?
I have removed a distributor before, and it took me a couple of week-ends
to get the car running again. I don't know what I did wrong before, thats
why I'm asking what else I should be aware of.
Many thanks in advance for any suggestions...
Nick Moseley
76 Spit 1500 Project
78 Spit 1500 Project
79 Spit 1500 (new to me, minimal rust, hopefully daily driver if I can get
this problem resolved, oh and the fact that not all the vacuum lines have
homes yet to the various anti-pollution devices)
To Joe Curry: yep, they're in the Database. Your Spit looked stunning
yesterday at the ABFM in Vancouver, (particularly the doors).
----
Nick Moseley
nmoseley@comsavings.com
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