Distributer install issue

[Bill kubiak]

Just had my 351 rebuilt, we are assembling it prior to putting it back in the boat, can not get the distributer to go in. The drive gear just begins to mesh with the cam when it stops.
Been messing with this for a day now, trying to line up the hex head on the oil pump with the Dist shaft. I know it has to go in with the rotor pointing more or less at the #1 cylinder.
Any thoughts out there
I did notice the bottom of the gears on the dist shaft are a little worn.

 

[frank246]

Re: Distributer install issue

It does not matter how it goes in.
If the engine is set at piston #1 compr.stroke TDC and you manage to get the distributor in , just rewire the cap if nessesary starting at 1 where the rotor points to at that moment. sometimes the pump hex falls to the side and the distrib. shaft hits on the top.

 

[mkast]

Re: Distributer install issue

The distributor drive gear is engaging the cam gear, the oil pump drive is not aligned with the distributor shaft. While applying slight downward pressure to the distributor housing, either use the starter to "tap" the engine over (rotate the engine), or use a ratchet on the crankshaft bolt to rotate the engine in the direction of normal engine rotation. When the oil pump drive shaft and the distributor shaft align, the distributor will seat all the way down.
I hope you did use the oil pump drive rod retainer.

 

[Bill kubiak]

Re: Distributer install issue

I have no idea what that retainer is, the machine shop installed the pan, pump and timing gear housings for me. I have tried turning the crank with a 15/16 socket but still was a no go.

BTW this is a r/h rotation motor, does that mean it turns to right if I am standing behind the motor looking at it or in front of it looking at it.

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: Distributer install issue

Just use a long straight blade screw driver to turn the oil pump. Had to do the same thing on ours to get the distributor back in.

 

[mkast]

Re: Distributer install issue

Just use a long straight blade screw driver to turn the oil pump. Had to do the same thing on ours to get the distributor back in.

Fords use a six sided oil pump drive.

Go to any Ford dealership and tell them the year of the engine.
They may even have one in stock.
If the retainer is not installed, the next time you remove the distributor the oil pump drive rod will stick to the bottom of the distributor shaft long enough to drop into the oil pan. The retainer centers the drive rod in the block casting.

If the engine can't rotate, how can you get to top dead center to install the distributor?

 

[Bill kubiak]

Re: Distributer install issue

The owner of the machine shop that rebuilt the engine came out took a few minutes to look at it and said, We put the wrong cam in the motor. There is a L/H cam in there and this Motor is a R/H motor. it is his shops fault and they will make it right. I just gotta get the motor over to his shop. Well, at least I know it was not me.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Distributer install issue

Yes that will certainly do it!