C-2: Distributor installtion and timing

[Isaac Tyson]

Working on a 1964 with the original 327ci 250 hp hooked up to a powerglide tranny...

Alright, well to make a long story short... The tach cable broke on me, so I had to pull the distributor to get to the cross gear because part of the cable broke off in the cross gear.

Well in my hurry I forgot to mark the distributor... So when I went to drop it back in I wasn't sure where to put it. So, I took out Cylinder 4 spark plug (the easiest one to get to because I have air conditioning) and brought the piston to TDC compression. I then lined up the contact on the distributor to fire number 4, and then dropped the distributor in. The engine fired right up, but the timing was a bit off, so I just turned the cap until the engine seemed to run the best. So, in park, the engine runs great and sounds good.

Now, here's the question. When I put the tranny into drive or reverse or anything other than park, I get a rappid and loud "click click click click" sound. I'm not sure if it's from the engine or the tranny. But it sure wasn't there before I messed with the distributor. I read all through my Corvette shop manual, but couldn't find another about putting the distributor back in after taking it out without marking it.

So, now I'm in a pinch and not sure what to do. Is it OK how I timed the engine? Or was that a no-no? Before I drive my self crazy, I want to make sure it's OK how I reinstalled the distibutor and make sure that you don't have to line up any marks or something crazy.
Any help would be great!
-Isaac

[Joe Ciaravino (32899)]

Re: C-2: Distributor installtion and timing

Isaac,

Distributor install method fine. You should fine tune the timing with a light, when you get a chance.
Ticking might be a loose wire, spark jumping. Only reason I say that is because the wires were moved/disturbed during the R&R. Check your wires and connections, first.

[Isaac Tyson]

Re: C-2: Distributor installtion and timing

Joe thanks for the confirmation on installation. I'll check the wires and all, but I think it mores. It's a very loud and harsh click/clank sound. And how comes it only happens when the tranny is engaged? I'll start with the wires though for sure.
Anymore help would be awesome.

[Jim Trekell (22375)]

Re: C-2: Distributor installtion and timing

Isaac there should be two holes in the fenderwell so that with a long extension or extensions you can remove/replace the spark plugs under your air conditioning compressor.