Loose rocker arms

[m_m70]

But that would involve removing the driver side belt, a pump,, and a little finned radiator looking deal. I'd rather not, but seems I may have to.

That is not your oil pump. Your oil pump in inside the oil pan straight down from the distributor. It would do you no good to remove it for what you are trying to accomplish. As every has said, you have to be patient while installing a distributor. it's a pain but a great feeling when it finally sets.

 

[turleydog]

Guys, thanks for all the posts keeping me in the right direction. Just FYI, half of the fun I have with this thing is just discovering how it works. Occasionally, I'll just take something off to see how it works, often by trial and error. Often, it ends up being way more than I expected, but that's really some of the interesting parts for me.

Did I have to take the heads off to replace valve stem seals? Idk, probably not. But in the process, I ended up having to learn what the hell top dead center was, and that the oil pump is hooked to the distributor, and that there's a thermostat doohickey attached to the intake manifold (took that off too).

This is actually pretty fun for me.

Thanks again

 

[turleydog]

I also bought a 12 pound sledgehammer and a plasma cutter. One way or the other, this distributor is getting installed.

 

[DJs74]

I also bought a 12 pound sledgehammer and a plasma cutter. One way or the other, this distributor is getting installed.

There ya go, that's the proper attitude! Even the most seasoned veteran mechanic experiences the distributor dilemma you're dealing with... often!

Have you by any chance taken a peek down in the hole to see where the shaft is sitting? As mentioned, you can turn the shaft or just try to move it a little with a long screwdriver to help the cause, just be careful not to let anything fall down into the hole or you'll be getting the opportunity to learn about whats beneath the oil pan too and removing an oil pan from the motor while its in the Bronco is definitely no fun

DJs74

 

[m_m70]

There ya go, that's the proper attitude! Even the most seasoned veteran mechanic experiences the distributor dilemma you're dealing with... often!DJs74

Well said and couldn't agree more. It's gotten easier for me with the distributor. I think it's the fact of "knowing" what a pain it is and what to expect. I've had it in and out in under 5 minutes up to half a day. Sometimes it's pure luck!

 

[DirtDonk]

I know it's been a couple of weeks, but wondered how it went? If at all...
And thought too, that I'd add another method of getting one installed.
If you're ever trying to install a distributor when the pump shaft is not cooperating, and you don't happen to have the right tools at hand for some reason, there's a quick-n-easy method that only requires a tool to turn the engine. Just a socket and ratchet, or whatever. Or even turning the pulley/belt by hand, if things are loose enough.
One person can do it.

Once the distributor is close, but not quite lining up with both the shaft and the drive gear, you turn the engine over slowly until you feel the two line up. Push down on the distributor, and voilá!

The only thing this does out of synch is your distributor positioning is just slightly off of what you were planning. But this is not a problem in most cases and all you need to do is turn it a little more to get the timing correct.
Where I could see this being an issue is if the distributor was too close to something that was blocking it's way and you can't turn it far enough due to the interference. Like might be the case when installing a distributor with an Explorer serpentine bracket in the way. All that would take though, is to pull the distributor and move it over one tooth on the gear, and if needed, turn the engine again to meet it.
Otherwise, there is usually plenty of clearance with standard stuff.

So turley... Did you ever post up the origin of your handle/username in that thread of "where did your username come from" (http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=255881&highlight=username) or something along those lines?
Just curious if it has anything to do with a particularly good western movie.

Paul

 

[Crush]

Just catching up here but i had the same problem and let it sit over ight and when i came back to it the next morning it had fallen in all by itself. I guess gravity works. Lol

 

[blubuckaroo]

You guys are making this too difficult.?:?
I don't go to that much trouble to get the oil pump to line up. Just drop the distributor in at the desired position and have someone bump the starter to get the engine to rotate slightly while you press down on the distributor. The distributor should drop right in.
That's how it's done in a auto repair shop. If you spend the time to fish around rotating the oil pump with a socket, you'd be looking for another job.