VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 261 distributor installation

What is the correct way to install the distributor with the timing pointer inline with the ball on the flywheel at top dead center. Where should the rotor point to when installed( pointing at the no# 1 spark plug? some people tell me to point the rotor at 4 o-clock position) What is the correct position, My 40 manual does not give that information. Thanks, Harold Pickett

Remove all of the spark plugs and crank the engine over until the number one cylinder is on the compression stroke first. Once on compression stroke, slowly turn the engine until the ball on the flywheel lines up with the pointer. Then, install the distributor and make sure that rotor is pointing to the number one tower on the distributor cap when the distributor is in place.

After starting engine then fine tune the timing with a timing light.

I checked my distribor cap and there is no markings on the cap to tell me which terminal is no# 1 Is the no# 1 terminal to the right of the notch that fits into into the distributor housing. Thanks Harold Pickett

There are no markings on the cap showing the number 1 tower. Number one spark plug wire can be anywhere you want on the cap as long as the rest of the spark plug wires follow the proper firing order. Usually the number one tower is located at a 5:30 position on the cap but you can check your shop manual for the proper layout of the wires on the cap.

just remember when the marks on the flywheel and pointer are aligned it can be either #1 firing position or #6. a finger over the #1 spark plug hole while rotating the crank will indicate compression. and, be sure the distributor engages the oil pump.

Thanks for the information, I appreciate it, Harold Pickett

CAUTION!!
Be sure the distributor engages with the oil pump.