302/351W sefi DISTRIBUTOR INSTALLATION

[Silverhorse]

I'm going to drop in my distributor today.Any tips? I cant find any info on this and my Haynes mustang book sucks!

 

[Broncobowsher]

On the cap you will find a post marked with a "1". take a marker and make a line on the lower cap. This will be your reference that you have it installed right when finished.

Engine is at TDC for #1, on the compression stroke? If not or not sure, pull the #1 spark plug (or all of them to turn the engine over easier) and rotate the engine until air blows your finger off the sprak plug hole. Line up the timing marks at about 10° BTDC, if you can't find that then TDC is close enough for now.

Now take the distributor, rotate the rotor about 45° left of where it needs to be. Try dropping it in the hole. As the gears mesh the rotor will rotate and hopefully line up with the line you drew in the steps above.

If it won't go down the hole all the way and you have tried at least 20 times. Pull it out and carefully use an oil pump priming tool or socket on an extension and give the oil pump driveshaft a little turn. It has 6 flats so 1/12 of a turn is often perfect. Also confirm that you have the right driveshaft. The 351 uses a 5/16 driveshaft and drive on the distributor, 302 uses 1/4".

Another trick has been to get the distributor started on the cam gear. Knowing the rotor will end up at the correct spot when seated. Then while pressing down on the distributor crank the engine over. Usually for more experienced mechanics.

Typically the plug faces straight forward as well.

Good luck.

 

[Silverhorse]

Thanks for the response.I should have mentioned sooner its a MSD dist. so there are no markings on it.The dist. would not go all the way down into the block.(about 1/8'' off). I was told the oil pump drive shaft may be too long, cut some off the bottom of the distributor.Which I did.Seems to be in far enough now. I assume you number the dist. in the same direction as the rotor button turns.(counterclockwise)?

 

[iwlbcnu]

Shouldn't have that problem with a MSD, that comes into play with aftermarket shafts and EFI dizzy's. Usually it is the hex of the pump shaft out of line with the dizzy. When you fire MAKE sure you have oil pressure.

 

[Skiddy]

I assume you number the dist. in the same direction as the rotor button turns.(counterclockwise)?

yes counter clockwise 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8

 

[70_Steve]

Here's a pic of where #1 should be. Firing order is for 5.0/5.8.

 

[Silverhorse]

It is an EFI dizzy and aftermarket shaft.

Shouldn't have that problem with a MSD, that comes into play with aftermarket shafts and EFI dizzy's. Usually it is the hex of the pump shaft out of line with the dizzy. When you fire MAKE sure you have oil pressure.

 

[Silverhorse]

Thanks! As they say a picture says a thousand words!

Here's a pic of where #1 should be. Firing order is for 5.0/5.8.

 

[iwlbcnu]

Dang it, i know when I posted I saw that you had a carb?????????