Distributor Not Seating

[DMully]

I've read through the posts regarding how to set the timing. I have the flywheel indicator at the BB but after numerous attempts, I still don't think my distributor it fully seated into the oil pump groove. I've used a screwdriver to align the slot in the oil pump so that when I twist the dizzy in, it has a chance to seat.

Am I correct that this distributor is not fully seated in the oil pump slot and that it has at least another 1/4" to drop?

I read on a thread that you can push down on the distributor while someone cranks the engine and it will seat. Since I'm working on it solo, I haven't tried that yet. Any other suggestions?

Thanks much...

1972 FJ40

 

[Steamer]

If you remove the bolt that holds the clamp the block, can you raise the clamp to the base of the dizzy? That would tell ya if the dizzy is hanging up on the bottom layer of the clamp.

 

[emac]

Are you rotating it as you seat it or just trying to sit it straight down. It needs to rotate and jiggle a little to seat.

 

[DMully]

I rotate it slightly when I push it down on it and it drops but doesn’t seem to drop all the way.

If I push the clamp to the top portion of the base and seat the dizzy, there is still. 1/4” gap between the bottom of the clampans the block. If I remove the clamp entirely and drop the distributor in, there’s still a small gap. Ugh.

 

[thebigredrocker]

You’ll get it. If your o-ring is new, you can schmear some oil on it.

 

[ToyotaMatt]

I've read through the posts regarding how to set the timing. I have the flywheel indicator at the BB but after numerous attempts, I still don't think my distributor it fully seated into the oil pump groove. I've used a screwdriver to align the slot in the oil pump so that when I twist the dizzy in, it has a chance to seat.

Am I correct that this distributor is not fully seated in the oil pump slot and that it has at least another 1/4" to drop?

I read on a thread that you can push down on the distributor while someone cranks the engine and it will seat. Since I'm working on it solo, I haven't tried that yet. Any other suggestions?

Thanks much...

1972 FJ40

View attachment 1662984

Did U by Chance install a New SOR.com Distributor O-Ring or a New hardware store type O-ring in place of a OEM Toyota one ?

 

[thebigredrocker]

Something else to try:

Test #1: remove the o ring and see if will fully seat without it.

Mark

 

[CUMAPART]

Grease up the O ring, line it up, and she'll slide right in. I had the same frustration years ago

 

[Pighead]

Pighead's solo dist. seating maneuver: get a big end wrench that will reach between the hot lead and the solenoid on the starter motor (or one of those fancy remote starter things), put that in your left hand. Lean over the fender, maybe standing on the tire, put your right hand on the dist. cap, putting your weight on the cap. Tranny in neutral obviously, jump the starter motor to rotate the engine. You'll feel the dist. fall that last 1/4" and seat with an audible thump.

 

[Boaf 32]

Pighead is right, just make sure you disconnect the coil wire

 

[Pighead]

Actually, I prefer to perform this maneuver without any wires in the dist. cap, I can rest my palm on the cap to support my weight...

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

having taken this advice, it works!

 

[middlecalf]

Is there only one position of distributor once seated? I ask because the tip to use a slotted screw driver to turn the oil pump with the distributor removed tells me there’s at least two possible seated positions. And only one is correct, right?

 

[Rock40]

It doesn't matter how the tip of the distributor falls into the oil pump slot, as long as the distributor is engaging the oil pump itself fully. What DOES matter is what cam tooth the distributor is aligned on in relation to timing. For me, I use a long screwdriver to clock the oil pump slot just right so that when I install the distributor downwards, it simply drops right into place.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Too late for the OP...

But, when given the chance to mark rotor positions, seated and after it unseats, on dissy removal (2 marks), I use the DUI Installation Instructions, as listed in post#2, here

When reinstalling, the rotor needs to point at the “unseated” mark... you may need to turn the oil pump slot in order to align the rotor to point at the “unseated” mark.

As you insert the dissy into the oil pump slot, the rotor returns to the “seated” mark.

It’s fully seated at this point... but, my paranoia dictates a final check, using a mechanic’s mirror.

 

[jvincig01]

Swear at it... LOUDLY! It works for me every time.

 

[DMully]

Too late for the OP...

But, when given the chance to mark rotor positions, seated and after it unseats, on dissy removal (2 marks), I use the DUI Installation Instructions, as listed in post#2, here

When reinstalling, the rotor needs to point at the “unseated” mark... you may need to turn the oil pump slot in order to align the rotor to point at the “unseated” mark.

As you insert the dissy into the oil pump slot, the rotor returns to the “seated” mark.

It’s fully seated at this point... but, my paranoia dictates a final check, using a mechanic’s mirror.

Thank you! I will read through this.

 

[DMully]

It doesn't matter how the tip of the distributor falls into the oil pump slot, as long as the distributor is engaging the oil pump itself fully. What DOES matter is what cam tooth the distributor is aligned on in relation to timing. For me, I use a long screwdriver to clock the oil pump slot just right so that when I install the distributor downwards, it simply drops right into place.

I also used a long screwdriver to align the slot, but do you align it with the distributor before it's being pushed down or do you guess where it's going to end up because it rotates slightly when installed? thanks much

 

[DMully]

Pighead's solo dist. seating maneuver: get a big end wrench that will reach between the hot lead and the solenoid on the starter motor (or one of those fancy remote starter things), put that in your left hand. Lean over the fender, maybe standing on the tire, put your right hand on the dist. cap, putting your weight on the cap. Tranny in neutral obviously, jump the starter motor to rotate the engine. You'll feel the dist. fall that last 1/4" and seat with an audible thump.

I ordered a fancy remote starter so I'll give this a shot this weekend.

 

[DMully]

Swear at it... LOUDLY! It works for me every time.

Apparently, I'm not swear enough or loud enough!