1970 350/350 Distributor Installation Problem

[Stephen B.]

I've taken my distributor many times over the years with little problem reinstalling. I removed and added some shim and tried to reinstall. The acts as though it's meshing with the camshaft but stops about a 1/4" short. I've moved the oil pump slot around for hours. Then I read the GM manual. It recommended holding the distributor in place and bumping the starter. The distributor did not even turn with the camshaft.

I'm a bit stumped. I thought the distributor was as least partially engaging the camshaft, but evidently it is not.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1970 350/350 Distributor Installation Problem

Stephen, Pull it out and check that roll pin to make sure it's not broke or not centered in the gear and sticking out some. Also, check the underneith of the gear for obstruction where the oil pump shaft will not go inside completely.

When you install the distributor and it's engaged with the oil pump shaft, you can lift it up and walk the oil pump shaft around to the correct gear clocking position. Turn it clockwise, walk it one tooth ata time until distributor is installed in correct position.

[Herb F.]

Re: 1970 350/350 Distributor Installation Problem

I had the same problem the last time I rebuilt a distributor. Check to make sure the gear is at the very bottom of the distributor shaft. If not, remove the roll pin, take the gear back off and rotate it bottom to top and reinstall. If this is the problem, your delema is over. Herb

[Larry M.]

Re: 1970 350/350 Distributor Installation Problem

I had the same problem the last time I rebuilt a distributor. Check to make sure the gear is at the very bottom of the distributor shaft. If not, remove the roll pin, take the gear back off and rotate it bottom to top and reinstall. If this is the problem, your delema is over. Herb

I agree. Steve, I think this is your problem.

Larry

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1970 350/350 Distributor Installation Problem

when you remove the dist always bump the engine around till the rotor tip points directly at 12:00 o'clock and as you remove it from the engine notice where the rotor points as it will turn as the dist is removed you will never have a problem getting the engine in time. also alway put the gear back on the same way in reference to the rotor tip

[Jim T.]

Re: 1970 350/350 Distributor Installation Problem

Stephen did you lubricate your tack drive gear when you had the distributor out?

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1970 350/350 Distributor Installation Problem

Thanks for reminding me. What type of lubricant? I did lubricate my tach cable.

I've also figured out the problem with the distributor. I installed the gear backwards on the end. After reversing and shimming again, the distributor fell in place with no problems. Thanks for everyone's installation ideas.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1970 350/350 Distributor Installation Problem

Stephen as far as the grease goes I have used Valvoline Special Moly EP.

A professional rebuilder/restorer of distributors provides a detailed article on distributors.
You can see it at www/tispecialities.com . Go to articles and it is at the bottom left of the page.

If you apply the procedures in this article you will have a better longer lasting operating distributor thanks to the professional Dave Fielder.

If your upper cavity under the plastic oil seal has never been cleaned and lubricated this is another maint you can do. If yours has never been done you may find only crud.
Oil/filters and chassis are lubrication are in the owners manual. Distributor maint should be as well.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1970 350/350 Distributor Installation Problem

to late for correction www.tispecialities.com

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1970 350/350 Distributor Installation Problem

thanks for your help.

[John H.]

Re: 1970 350/350 Distributor Installation Problem

If your upper cavity under the plastic oil seal has never been cleaned and lubricated this is another maint you can do. If yours has never been done you may find only crud.

If it's never been maintained (which is the norm), you'll probably find nothing but sawdust-like crud (photo below) in that grease well; that well provides the only lubrication the upper bushing gets - it doesn't see engine oil.

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1970 350/350 Distributor Installation Problem

Thanks John.