Distributer dizzy install

[runner406]

Ok guys , heres the deal got my head resurfaced and got it back today they took off the rocker shafts and distributer put them in a box , great right no not great as i see the dist shaft has a screwdriver end either its in write or wrong , my question is how do i put this in write ? Whats timing suppost to be set at ? And tork of rocker shaft bolts i dont wanna wreck andything help please

[georgeb]

Never done one but I know it only goes in one way. Rotate rotor to line up with cam. Put base midway in slot and install bolts a little loose. Set timing according to specs (must ground connector EFI and unhook vac hose on carb).

[runner406]

My car is fuel injected .so whats the routine with that one ? Lolthanks george

[Bert]

I suspect that the distributor can be installed 2 ways (ie 180 degrees off or correct). Hopefully you have not disassembled the distributor cap (because the darn rotor can also be installed incorrectly 2 times out of three).
When the piston at number one cylinder is at the top of the compression stroke (watch through the spark plug hole or before the valve cover is put on) number one lead on the distributor cap rotor should be roughly aligned. Hopefully there are still grease or corrosion marks on the head to help indicate where the dizzie was located (timing-wise) originally.

[iceracerdude]

You need to go to amazon.com and get a haynes manual for your car. They start at $1.08 for a used one with $4 shipping!
When was the last time you paid $5 for a great tool?
You're into this far enough that you need to realize that a manual is as important as a torque wrench at this point.
...Ask the guys with them how we know.

even farther north of detroit!

[Movin]

What do you mean "compression stroke"?

[mikeohlh]

Timing

Pull the spark plug out of #1, insert finger while turning the engine in the correct direction (the direction it runs) on the compression stroke it will push against your finger, on the exhaust stroke it will not. On the compression stroke (since your valve cover is off...) you can also watch your valve train and be sure the intake valve was the last to move (closing) when the piston comes to the top next, is compression. Also you might look at the crank pointer to see if it is aligned (not sure on your engine if it has a TDC mark) at this point when the disty is in all the way, the rotor should be just arriving at (near) contact with the cap contact for the number one plug. (not full alignment) at this setting it should start, but will still need to be timed...

[milehighbear]

What year is your car. 90-93 distributors only go in one way.

[georgeb]

What do you mean "compression stroke"?

The stroke that's missing on my '92.

[BigElCat]

I learned recently that the B3 dizzy actually is indexed to fit in only one way. Carb and EFI, all years appear to be the same.

You can't put it in 180 deg off. Don't try to force if it's not slipping in with hand force only. The paddle thing/drive key is offset to one side.

Align the mark on the crank nose. Align the two marks on the cam gear, one at 'high noon' one at '3 o'clock'. You have two marks all ready on the front of the head at these positions. Push the dizzy in with the rotor pointed at the number one spark tower on the cap.

That's all I know about this topic.

[BigElCat]

The stroke that's missing on my '92.

ROFL...I'm with you there...the 'blow-by stroke'.

[Movin]

ROFL...I'm with you there...the 'blow-by stroke'.

LOL put your finger in the PCV hole to find number one!

[GenevaDirt]

I suspect that the distributor can be installed 2 ways (ie 180 degrees off or correct). Hopefully you have not disassembled the distributor cap (because the darn rotor can also be installed incorrectly 2 times out of three).

I learned recently that the B3 dizzy actually is indexed to fit in only one way. Carb and EFI, all years appear to be the same.

You can't put it in 180 deg off. Don't try to force if it's not slipping in with hand force only. The paddle thing/drive key is offset to one side.

BigEl is correct.....only 1 way to put the dizzy in

[Safety Guy]

If you plan on keeping your Festiva for more than a couple months, or want to work on them, then Haynes and/or Ford shop manuals are necessary!

I have BOTH. Check ebay for deals on Ford shop manuals. You can usually get one for around $20 or less shipped. Combine it with something else, like a wiring fold out or another shop manual (Aspire, Escort, etc.) and you can save a bit more money.

If you plan on mods from other cars those other shop manuals can be great.

Also, Chilton's has a manual on 323/Protege/MX3/MX6/Miata which can come in handy for working with various B series engines.

You can get the manuals on CDs, but I prefer working with paper books since they can be right there next to the car when you're working.

Karl