Theoretical Question about distributors

[BradleyPLKD]

I have a question that I've always wondered regarding distributors...

My engine is a Volvo 5.7 PLKD (carburated gas, BID ignition). I've pulled the distributor assembly a few times. I've also lost the marks to put the distributor back and have had to rotate the crank and align the #1 piston to get the distributor back into place. Once everything is aligned, I drop the distributor back in with the rotor pointing to #1 cylinder...all stuff you guys already know...

My question: Even if I put the distributor in one "notch off" and it's not pointing exactly to #1 cylinder, does it really matter since I can just get a timing gun and rotate the distributor to advance or retard the timing to the correct specs? Or am I missing something? Just curious...
Thx!
Brad

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Theoretical Question about distributors

does it really matter since I can just get a timing gun and rotate the distributor to advance or retard the timing to the correct specs?

You are correct. It won't matter.

What will matter is if the engine is at TDC on the compression stroke or not. If you have the engine at TDC it could be on either the compression or exhaust stroke.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Theoretical Question about distributors

I think it would depend on the distributor gearing setup. I've had vehicles where the distributor would go in just a few degrees off, where this would work fine. I've had others where it would go in either in the correct position or 180 degrees off - not quite enough adjustment in the timing to deal with that much deviation.

 

[BradleyPLKD]

Re: Theoretical Question about distributors

okay, that's what I thought. Was just wondering if I was missing something else. I always learn something new when I come to this site...