Bowtie Timing/distributor Tech Question

[jams]

Hi,

Here is the situation:

I need to adjust my timing and turn the distributor counterclockwise (I don't know if that is called advance or retard) The problem is the vacuum advance portion of the distributor is already making contact with the intake manifold so I have no room to move. I know I need to take the distributor out and rotate the rotor but that is as much as I know and I don't like experimenting with timing issues.


Thanks for your help.
Jim

[Excaliber]

Make a "mark" on the outside or edge of the dist. body. NOTE where the ROTOR lines up with this mark. Pull up on the dist body and rotate as needed to gain clearance. When it drops back in place make sure the rotor lines up with the dist body mark. The key is KEEPING the relationship bewteen the ROTOR and the DIST BODY in harmony.

As you slide the body of the dist back in it's hole, the rotor will move forward or backward as the dist gear "rolls" into place against the cam gear. You have to anticpate which way it will turn (see the rotor move as you pull the dist OUT). So when you put the dist body back in, the rotor is NOT initially lined up with your mark, but WILL line up when the dist takes seat and the rotor turns a little bit.

Timing: As you rotate the dist body (pushing\pulling on the vac advance) the engine idle speed will increase or decrease, it may be subtle, listen for it, become one with the motor (Luke, use the force). An increase in idle rpm is ADVANCING the timing vice versa.

Ernie

[jams]

Thanks for your help. Your explaination was easy to follow. Now I will become one with my motor and USE THE FORCE.

Jim

[Mr.Fixit]

You just need to move the dist over one tooth as it relates to the cam gear, then you can move the housing back one tooth width and get it in the clear.