Kevin73

I was changing the distributor cap and rotor on my car today.

Two of the three screws holding the cap on were badly corroded. Vice grips were the only solution with the heads worn so much. To get a better grip on them, I removed the distributor from the engine.

In my haste, I forgot to make any markings, and I know the shaft moved a little bit after I got it off. It didn't occur to me until after that I made the mistake, because I was too focused on the bloody screws

Anyways, i'm going to have to drill the 3rd screw out and replace it with a bolt likely which is fine.

But, is there anything I should do because of the mistake I made, in regards to the engine's firing sequence? I'm assuming it's going to be off a bit since the shaft moved after I took the distributor off. I haven't cranked it since I took it off.

I'm just hoping my mistake during the middle of a basic job doesn't mess things up terribly.

Thanks

sdaidoji

iTrader: (1)

autozone? or similar autoparts shop? they could lend a timing light tool... try to get a manual while in there? Chilton or "Haynes? i *think* there was still for the 2k vics available

ezone

You are reusing the distributor, not replacing it? The shaft (and rotor) only fits one way. If you force it to go wrong, you will break expensive things.

Line up all the witness marks (outline of the bolt heads and washers) on each of the mounting ears, and bolt it back down in the exact same place it used to be.

Double check with a real timing light, but if this is done right, the ignition timing will be unaffected.

HTH

marek91

timing will be fine just put the dizzy back on, timing can only be changed when you jump the ecu the car may run like a bag for a minute but the ECU will fix that.

sdaidoji

iTrader: (1)

oh, huh, true, did not see the "cap bolts" part, timing will not change. (was thinking on me oldeee veewee's)

ezone

Um, he pulled the distributor.

sdaidoji

iTrader: (1)

LOL! true, did not read that part :P so timing could still be an issue x2 strike fer me

Kevin73

Everything worked out fine.

I had pulled the distributor because the screws on the distributor cap were so badly corroded, that I needed the extra room so I could bore it out.

I never cranked the engine afterwards (had no reason to) so the shaft never moved, and I just put everything back together as it should. It was pretty easy, it would only go one way. The slot in the shaft made all the difference, otherwise it would have been aligned wrong.

So all is well..and will continue to be hopefully...fingers crossed