Re: oil pump install/timing issues on 1601 Eight

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2015/4/21 22:19:26

Sure, you can remove the oil pump and play trial and error until you get the original positioning. But as long as the distributor hold-down plate grips the base like a clamp ring and isn't bolted directly to the distributor body, it really isn't necessary as the distributor can function properly with any engagement of the oil pump and in any number of positions. It's just a matter of going back to the basics of ignition timing, after all, all the rotor cares about is what plug wire is above it - it could care less where the body of the distributor is positioned. Put #1 cylinder on TDC on the compression stroke. Remove the distributor and temporarily loosen the hold-down/retaining plate. Reinsert the distributor and rotate to a convenient position where the vacuum advance has plenty of room to accommodate whatever slight positioning might be required for final timing. Then rotate it slightly if needed one way or the other (doesn't matter) until the rotor tip is just approaching ANY post on the distributor cap; Snug up the distributor hold-down plate. That post beneath the rotor then becomes plug #1, and then just follow the rotation with the other wires in the timing order.

Note you can't use this technique if your distributor hold down plate is the type with a slot and bolt that goes directly into the body of the distributor - you need the complete freedom that the lock-ring type hold down gives. I've done this dozens and dozens of times.