Installation 03/06/2010 (Read COMPLETELY Before Starting Installation!)

Step 1 - Unpack the distributor carefully and inspect it for possible shipping damage. Inspect again after removing the cap. Compare this replacement distributor with the original for the following:

a - Length from the bottom of the gear to the intake mounting surface;

b - Gear length, diameter and type (type: what is made of) AMC’s may require OEM type drive gears;

c – Oil pump drive at the bottom of distributor gear;

Step 2 – If any of the above is in question please consult your engine builder or qualified mechanic prior to continuing installation. Some engines require a special or OEM type distributor gear in order to be compatible with the camshaft gear. Removal and replacement of drive gear should be done by qualified installer.

Step 3 – If the distributor to be replaced has not already been removed from the engine, remove its cap. On HEI distributors, unplug the pickup-to-coil harness from the cap. Do not remove the plug wires at this time. Crank the engine slowly until the rotor blade aims at a fixed point on the engine or firewall. Note this point for reference.

Step 4 – Find the connector in the wiring from the distributor to the ignition switch, and unplug it.

Step 5 – Note the exact position of the vacuum advance canister. Put a reference mark on the engine or firewall so that the new distributor may be easily installed in the same position.

Step 6 – Loosen and remove the distributor hold-down bolt and clamp. Lift the old distributor out. If the engine had been running within the past few minutes, the distributor housing may be HOT and coated with HOT engine oil. Wrap a shop towel around the distributor to avoid burning your hands and dripping oil.

Step 7 – Lower the new distributor into position. The rotor should be aimed at the same fixed point as was the rotor of the old distributor, and the vacuum canister aligned with the reference mark. After the new distributor has been lowered into place, you may find that it hasn’t seated firmly against the support boss. This indicates that the lower end of the distributor shaft is not properly aligned with the oil pump drive rod. Do not attempt to force the distributor into position.

Step 8 – Some distributors will include a gasket for the intake manifold. Do not install this gasket between the distributor and the engine. This gasket may damage the electronic parts due to a poor ground. Not installing the gasket assures a good ground. The intake manifold and distributor have machined surfaces and should not leak fluids.

Step 9 – Reinstall the factory hold-down clamp and tread the bolt just enough to exert a very slight pressure against the distributor. If the distributor was not firmly seated, manually rotate the engine until the distributor drops down into place.

Step 10 – With the distributor properly seated, tighten the hold-down bolt just enough so that the distributor is held in place, but can still be rotated with a little effort. Again, make sure that the vacuum canister is aligned with the reference mark.

Step 11 – Remove the plug wires one at a time from the old cap and install them in the corresponding positions of the new one. (On GM HEI distributors, it will also be necessary to transfer the coil and the coil cover from the old cap to the new one.) . After all wires have been transferred, verify that the wire in the terminal post that is aligned with the rotor leads to number one cylinder. If you are unsure of cylinder number position or firing order, this information can be found in the service manual that covers your particular engine. Put on distributor cap. New lifetime warranty 8.5mm wires available IGN 8882927, 8882931 & 8882946 for V8’s, IGN 8882962 L6’s, IGN 8882930 V6’s & IGN 8882972 Ford V8’s. http://www.partscityusa.com/store/product9651.html Gap plugs at 0.45”. After 50 miles check color on plugs for correct heat range. Adjust heat range on plugs accordingly.

Step 12 – Connect positive and negative lead from distributor to the positive and negative terminals on your coil. Connect the wiring leading from the ignition switch to the positive side of your coil. If you have a points distributor you are replacing, you must by pass the resistor ballast or resistor wire, you must have 12-14 volts to the distributor. We recommend a 50k to 65k coil for best performance.

Step 13 – Connect a timing light. Start the engine and allow it to warm up sufficiently to idle smoothly. It may be necessary to rotate the distributor (either clockwise or counter-clockwise) before a smooth idle can be achieved. If the engine will not idle smoothly, the firing order may be incorrect or the rotor may not have properly been aligned during installation. Consult a service manual for corrective procedures.

Step 14 – Consult the appropriate service manual to determine the factory-recommended initial timing and idle speed. Set initial spark timing with the vacuum advance line disconnected and plugged. Advancing timing two to four degrees from the factory setting will usually provide improved performance and fuel economy. However, timing advanced beyond factory specifications may result in detonation, which can cause engine damage. Listen carefully – if you hear the engine knocking or pinging, retard initial timing as required to eliminate it.

Warranty: The item named here in is sold by Hot Rods USA. We are not the manufacturer or master distributor of said product. Any warranty or liability shall be the sole responsibility of the manufacturer. Items named herein is purchased from several sources, this information is available upon written request.

Phone 888-875-6666 * Fax 360-210-7659