Which way to I need to move the distributor gear - one tooth clockwise or counter-clockwise?

The scan tool reports -26* CMP Retard. The cap is pointing right at the "6" on the distributor. 360*/13 teeth = 27.7* per tooth so I am probably off one tooth.

So with a negative CMP retard do I move the distributor one tooth clockwise or counter clockwise?

 

Line up the two timing marks on the timing cover by turning the crankshaft clockwise with a socket and ratchet. Then pull the dist cap, if the pointer is close to the "6", pull the distributor and stick it back in so the rotor points to the "6". If it's not close, (#1 cyl on wrong cycle) rotate the crankshaft clockwise with the socket & ratchet one revolution until the marks line up. Do it in that order and you get it right on.

 

I've done that 3 times this afternoon.. The marks line up perfectly on the dampener and I'm pointing dead on at the 6 on the distributor.

Will the CASE relearn procedure be able to handle -26* of Cam Retard?

I wonder if the distributor gear could be on the shaft 180* out of phase??? That would give me 1/2 tooth since there are 13 teeth. Remember - I have no idea what was done to this engine before I bought it.

At least I have it running!

 

CASE relearn is to synchronize the crankshaft position sensor so it tells the PCM exactly where the crankshaft is in it's rotation. You need to adjust camshaft retard and that's done by rotating the distributor. You can probably compensate for 26 degrees before the housing hits the intake plenum when rotating the distributor.

 

I am only able to move the distributor enough to get to -23* from -26*. In the attached photo's you can see that the pointer is aligned on the number "6". The yellow dot in the photo on the distributor base shows where the distributor lines up at -26*. In this picture the distributor is adjusted to -23* and the white dot shows where no retard would exist (based on the leading edge of the metal plate on the top of the distributor passing over the cam sensor.

The distributor gear is installed correctly and moving the distributor one tooth clockwise moves the pointer well past the number 6 on the base.

I can't seem to get this dialed in. Any ideas?

Kevin

 

If you're not getting DTC P1345, you're darn close to the limit, (~27 degrees). Sounds like you'll have to remove the distributor hold down bracket, to make the distributor adjustable.

Manually rotate the crankshaft clockwise with a socket & ratchet, until the timing marks on the timing cover are lined up AND the rotor points to the "6". If you go past the marks, DO NOT rotate the crankshaft counter clockwise, rotate another two crankshaft revolutions clockwise. Remove the distributor, and remove the hold down bracket. Use a distributor hold down bracket for a SBC. Most auto parts stores have them in stock for about $5. Reinstall the distributor so the rotor points at the "6" when the housing is fully seated against the intake manifold. Now the distributor is fully adjustable so you can adjust camshaft retard perfectly. Remember to run RPM above 2,000 and back to idle before checking.

 

I pulled a distributor from another engine I have handy (convenient) and after comparing the two found the distributor gear is incorrectly on the shaft (off approx 180*). I just stuck in the other distributor and had -6* retard. I was able to rotate the distributor and get it down to between -3* and -2* of retard.

 

Should be good.

 

Thanks for the help. Merry Christmas!