Mercruiser 3.0 Distributor installation

[fairshopperguy27]

I am in the middle of swapping my 3.0 block for a good one. I am a little confused on how to re-install the EST distributor. I tried installing it and firing it off and it wanted to start but just backfired really loud. I tried that twice until realizing something was way off. I understand i must bring the engine to TDC, then install the distributor with the rotor pointed at #1.

NOW here is my issue, does it need to be pointed at #1 Cylinder on the actual engine block or the #1 sparkplug on the rotor cap?

 

[alldodge]

Points at number 1 spark plug position. Distributer rotates clockwise

 

[Scott Danforth]

make sure motor is at TDC on compression stroke, stab dizzy into block so that the rotor points to #1 spark plug tower on the cap (this will require you to adjust the rotor as you stab the dizzy to account for the helix in the cam gear)

then using your timing light, adjust the timing per the manual.

 

[stonyloam]

I would guess you are 180 degrees off. You were on TDC exhaust rather than compression stroke.

 

[Alumarine]

#1 on the distributor cap.

 

[fairshopperguy27]

Big Thanks to all that replied. I Got it set.

Now onto the next problem. I have a noisy valve or lifter I believe.

 

[Alumarine]

Does it quieten down after you run it a bit?

 

[fairshopperguy27]

Does it quieten down after you run it a bit?

Believe it or not it was the oil dipstick tube hitting the crankshaft!! The crankshaft shaved a bit off the tube and when I pulled the oil pan I found the shavings. Wiped it out clean, adjusted the dipstick tube, new oil and filter and were running good!

Note to self and others, if you swap a block pay close attention to the oil dipstick tube and it's location. Rotate the engine by hand to make sure you have clearance before installing the pan. This could have ended very baaaaddd for me!!!! Thanks again.