Can only get 4⁰ advance need advice.

-
1963dartgt

1963dartgt

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2015
Messages
806
Reaction score
294
Location
Kansas
So ive got my distributor turned all the way counter clockwise and only get 4⁰ advance. Should i pull the distributor and move the thing a tooth or should i just move the wires around and which way should i go. Sorry i know this is a simple issue but ive never been good at timing and the old man aint feeling well so i dont want to bother him. Thank you. Sorry motor is 225 4bbl holley 390,offy intake.
 
I was having the same issue a few weeks ago. If I pulled the dist and moved a tooth it was too far. Removed distributor and was grinding on the hold down bracket and realized there is an adjustment bolt on the bottom of the distributor. That should get you another 10 degrees or so.
 
I forgot about that damn bolt. I even have a tool i made for it laying around somewhere. Thanks ill see what i can do.
 
@1963dartgt my distributor has another bolt on the backside that allows you to move the lockdown plate and get more play one way or another... but you still have to pull the distributor to adjust it... at least I did but I have sausage fingers... I'm sure you could do it in place with a bit of finesse... Loosening this may give you the play you need to get it to where you want it. This is a picture from last year before I freshened it up.
dist.jpg



EDIT:::: whoops looks like I was late to the dance :)
 
briwill70 said:
I was having the same issue a few weeks ago. If I pulled the dist and moved a tooth it was too far. Removed distributor and was grinding on the hold down bracket and realized there is an adjustment bolt on the bottom of the distributor. That should get you another 10 degrees or so.
Click to expand...

Oops. Sorry. I meant to hit the agree check mark and hit the disagree red X by mistake. Can't delete.
Small phone, big finger.
Edit: fixed it. Carry on.
 
The easy way to deal with this is with the right wrench, which is a Vim № V-103. Plenty google hits, under $20, and well worth it if you mess with Slant-6 engines more than once in awhile. This wrench can easily be used on either the downsie bolt (holds the distributor plate to the block) or the upsie bolt (holds the distributor plate to the distributor), so no need to pull the dist to get the adjustment you need.
 
slantsixdan said:
The easy way to deal with this is with the right wrench, which is a Vim № V-103. Plenty google hits, under $20, and well worth it if you mess with Slant-6 engines more than once in awhile. This wrench can easily be used on either the downsie bolt (holds the distributor plate to the block) or the upsie bolt (holds the distributor plate to the distributor), so no need to pull the dist to get the adjustment you need.
Click to expand...

Tool Source says this tool has been discontinued?

VIM Tools V103 Distributor Wrench 12-Pt. 7/16 In Chrysler VIMV103
 
Well, crud, yeah, most of those Google hits do eventually lead to "Discontinued". This link doesn't say so, though having seen all the others it's probably not good odds. :-( Guess the next step would be to watch Ebay, or make your own by bending, welding, and/or brazing. It's just a 12-point 7/16" box-end wrench with a stairstep shape to it; at least there are pictures all over the place.
 
slantsixdan said:
Well, crud, yeah, most of those Google hits do eventually lead to "Discontinued". This link doesn't say so, though having seen all the others it's probably not good odds. :-( Guess the next step would be to watch Ebay, or make your own by bending, welding, and/or brazing. It's just a 12-point 7/16" box-end wrench with a stairstep shape to it; at least there are pictures all over the place.
Click to expand...

Guess we'll find out. I just ordered one. Even if it's been discontinued, there might be a few left in stock here or elsewhere. If I actually get it, thanks! If not, well, like you say, one could make one relatively easily.
 
Got this message a few minutes after placing the order:

"Hello ------,

Once again, thank you for your purchase.

Unfortunately and we’re truly sorry to say we had to cancel your order.

We voided your payment.

Product is out of stock. It’s unknown at this time when we will have it in stock again.

Sorry if this has caused any inconvenience for you."
 
Adjust the bolt sometimes you need to grind some metal off the bracket to get more timing.
 
I can't say I've seen every Slant-6 engine ever built, but I've seen an awful lot of them, including pretty much every distributor variation they came with, and I've never run into a need to grind the bracket.
 
Ok so finally got around to it today after searching for my tool. The bolt was already adjusted. So i suppose im a tooth off which way would i go. Clockwise or counter clockwise?
 
slantsixdan said:
The easy way to deal with this is with the right wrench, which is a Vim № V-103. Plenty google hits, under $20, and well worth it if you mess with Slant-6 engines more than once in awhile. This wrench can easily be used on either the downsie bolt (holds the distributor plate to the block) or the upsie bolt (holds the distributor plate to the distributor), so no need to pull the dist to get the adjustment you need.
Click to expand...

I have a vintage Snap On 7/16 distributor wrench. Fits both and works GOOD.
 
1963dartgt said:
I had rebuilt the distributor and when i reassembled the bracket i didnt put it in the center. I dont know why but i didnt.
Click to expand...
Well PUT IT IN THE CENTER and then check timing to see if you're going in the right direction. If not, then most likely you'll have to pull the distributor.
 
65 Cuda 340 said:
Well PUT IT IN THE CENTER and then check timing to see if you're going in the right direction. If not, then most likely you'll have to pull the distributor.
Click to expand...
I think im gonna do just that. Reset it,start from the top and give it a go.I disturbed a wasp nest outside and things got crazy out there im gonna wait for thing to die down and take care of that then get back at it.
 
Got rid of a wasp nest about as big as my fist. Pulled the distributor and started fresh. Now she sits around 12⁰ btdc. It idles great,throttles great but now it dies in gear. I guess if its not one thing its another. Oh well back to trouble shooting tomorrow i suppose.
 
1963dartgt said:
I had rebuilt the distributor and when i reassembled the bracket i didnt put it in the center. I dont know why but i didnt.
Click to expand...

Okeh, but the centre of the slot isn't necessarily where it needs to be. It needs to be wherever it gives you an appropriate range of timing adjustment with the distributor installed.

If you're going to try one tooth (or more) clockwise or anticlockwise, take care; it's easy to get crossed up. Read this
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top