8BA stock Distributer How to instal start to finish

[Gezer]

Looking for a manual or page from one that would step by set discuss the installation of the stock distributor.

[40 Deluxe]

Go to a used book store and find a Motor Manual, Chilton's Manual, etc. from the 1950's. This will have all the information you need.

[hotrodA]

Are the heads on?
Pull plug from #1.
Turn over engine by hand until the thumb you have on #1 plug hole is pushed off by compression.
Is the little pointer on the front cover pointing at the nick on the front pulley?
If not, easily turn crank until it is.
Drop in distributor, rotate body until rotor points to the cap position you want to be #1.
Clamp down, install cap and wires and see if it will crank.
Loosen clamp and rotate distributor to best vacuum setting and idle. Tighten clamp.

This worked for me, your results may vary.

[19Fordy]

Great explanation. The OEM number one on the cap is the terminal that's at 6 o'clock.
Here's more info.:
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=184107
and here:
http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...53_239-255.htm
Click on the engine diagram/picture to enlarge.

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

Originally Posted by hotrodA

Are the heads on?
Pull plug from #1.
Turn over engine by hand until the thumb you have on #1 plug hole is pushed off by compression.
Is the little pointer on the front cover pointing at the nick on the front pulley?
If not, easily turn crank until it is.
Drop in distributor, rotate body until rotor points to the cap position you want to be #1.
Clamp down, install cap and wires and see if it will crank.
Loosen clamp and rotate distributor to best vacuum setting and idle. Tighten clamp.

This worked for me, your results may vary.

gOOD JOB !!!!

[supereal]

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For the uninitiated, be sure to remember that cylinder number one is the front one on the passenger side of the engine.

[Frank Miller]

Just to clarify a bit The rotor is pointing at #1 and the points are about to open. You may need to make a few attempts as the rotor turns as you seat the distributor. Just position it as you want it and subtract the amount of turn as it goes in. You want to be about the mid point on the adjustment.

[chap52]

It's a flathead, remember it's 1-2-3-4 front to rear on passenger side, 5-6-7-8- front to rear on drivers side. Some have forgotten this and .... :-)

[supereal]

Be sure to set the final timing with a timing light. It is the only way to be sure. Timing lights are still around. I've had mine for over 60 years, and still use it.

[Gezer]

.thanks for all the input. My computer has been down and could not respond sooner. I am in the middle of painting the engine and will use you advise soon.

[Gezer]

To answer Bubbas post.
Heads are on
51 EBA with loadomatic
Timing mark on pulley, lined up with pin on engine.
Rotor pointing at #1 on cap at 6 o'clock.

Something is still wrong. Won't start

What do you think?

[JSeery]

Are you getting a spark at the plug?

[40cpe]

The engine turns two revolutions to one rev of the distributor. You can have the timing marks lined up and not be on compression stroke. Do as advised and put your thumb over #1 spark plug hole and wait for compression as the timing mark nears the pin. Then install the distributor pointed to #1 terminal on the cap.

If it still doesn't start, turn the distributor back and forth while cranking the engine.

To see if the distributor is firing, remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and hold the end near a metal piece on the engine. Crank over the engine and look for arcing from the coil wire to ground. If it is firing, the coil and points seem to be working.

[Frank Miller]

Bubba left out something important. With the rotor pointing at #1 the cam lobe should just be starting to open the points. With power on a test light on the coil terminal going to the distributor will turn off just as the points start to open. This method will get you almost spot on.

[Gezer]

Well gentlemen...I have gone through the process described above several times and all I get is back firing. I have to be missing something. ????

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by Gezer

Well gentlemen...I have gone through the process described above several times and all I get is back firing. I have to be missing something. ????

Check the firing order (15486372) clockwise to make sure the correct wire is going to the correct plug.
Diagram added for reference.

[Gezer]

had plug wires 5 and 6 crossed. Also put a rebuild kit in the fuel pump. Car is running now. Should I reinstall the vacuum line before adjusting final distributor setting?

[flatjack9]

Reinstall the line after setting the distributor. Block it off while setting.

[Gezer]

All set. Purrrrs like a kitten
Thanks to everyone who responded

[Anteek29]

Bet you will be wearing that smile all day

[JSeery]

Sounds like a success story!