Delco-Remy Distributor Manual Bottom Gear Drawing

[Gary J.]

Does anyone have a Delco-Remy Distributor Manual that they could scan the picture or pictures of the bottom gear. Trying to prove a point that the dimple on the gear aligns with the pointer on the rotor. As the ole saying goes, "A Picture Is Worth A 1000 Words."
Thanks!

[Duke W.]

Re: Delco-Remy Distributor Manual Bottom Gear Drawing

Yes it does. Try installing it 180 degrees out and see what happens. I figured this out circa 1965 when I removed and disassembled the distributor from my 340 HP SWC to try to figure out why the ignition was breaking up at high revs. Upon installation I couldn't get enough initial timing before the VAC hit the manifold.

The "experts" I talked to said to install it one tooth off, move the wires one position, remove the VAC, which just made things worse... the usual brain-dead responses. Those guys were totally clueless! After several tries I noticed the dimple, and it was pointed opposite the rotor tip. I also counted teeth - 13. Aha! I realized that rotating the gear 180 degrees so the dimple pointed the same direction as the rotor tip would alter the distributor position about 7 degrees at the same initial timing.

I verified that the wires were indexed per the '63 Corvette Shop Manual, rotated the gear so the dimple pointed in the same direction as the rotor tip and voila! Due to the coil bracket and inlet manifold limiting rotational freedom, indexing the wires per the shop manual and installing the drive gear with the dimple pointing the same direction as the rotor tip is the ONLY WAY you can install the distributor and achieve proper initial timing, especially on mechanical lifter engines with 24 degree distributors that need 12-16 initial to achieve peak performance.

I recall seeing a distributor assembly drawing that had a note about proper indexing of the gear, but have never seen this in any service field publication, and a lot of guys have not figured it out to this day.

Duke

[John D.]

Re: Delco-Remy Distributor Manual Bottom Gear Drawing

When distributor was installed at the assembly line it was 100% complete with cap and wires dangling down. The installed lined the notch on the bottom gear with the seam on the distributor case. Then he installed it but had to get "pick up" that one tooth that Duke mentioned.
The Flint line worker did a demonstration at Dr. Mike's Down on the Farm in Cumberland, MD right after the NCRS national in Warren, MI in early 90's. He had a 63-65 distributor that had a VA & the distributor cap was installed..
He showed us how he installed the distributor. In his tool belt he had a rubber hammer. When he was pushing the distributor down in the hole he smacked the VA advance on the passenger side to pick up that one tooth.
That's why you see so many original VA's with a dent in it.
Dr. Mike. Correct me if I missed something as you were watching intensely. Thanks, John

[Mike M.]

Re: Delco-Remy Distributor Manual Bottom Gear Drawing

sorry john but i was watching the beast keg. mike

[John D.]

Re: Delco-Remy Distributor Manual Bottom Gear Drawing

sorry john but i was watching the beast keg. mike

Big help you are Doc