Do you need to replace the distributor after replacing the rotor?
You’ll need to install the new distributor following the same direction and amount of rotation of the shaft, but in reverse order. For this purpose, make a second mark on the distributor indicating the final position the rotor points to, after you have removed the distributor. Just make sure you know which are the initial and final rotor marks.
How do you set rotor phasing on a stock engine?
Stock distributors align the rotor with the spark plug terminal on the distributor cap with the engine at the initial timing position, and since the reluctor and rotor are fixed together, mechanical advance does not cause phasing issues because as the trigger is advanced, so is the rotor.
Where is the rotor tip on a distributor?
On a distributor that turns clockwise, the rotor tip should be at the right or just after the terminal when the spark occurs with the vacum disconnected and plugged. With the advance connected and the engine at a steady speed off idle, the rotor tip should be just to the left or before the terminal ( Figure 4)
Where does the rotor go on a MSD distributor?
MSD distributors are designed like OE units so that when the distributor is set at its initial timing (let’s put it at 12 degrees Before Top Dead Center (BTDC), the reluctor will line up with the magnetic pickup and the rotor will be pointed directly at the distributor cap spark plug terminal.
Where to mark the rotor on a distributor?
In other words, mark your old distributor’s rotor position inside the housing of your new distributor and mark the location on the outside of the distributor that lines up with your engine’s mounting point. Ensure that the rotor is in the marked position before installing.
Stock distributors align the rotor with the spark plug terminal on the distributor cap with the engine at the initial timing position, and since the reluctor and rotor are fixed together, mechanical advance does not cause phasing issues because as the trigger is advanced, so is the rotor.
When to change distributor cap and rotor?
Replacing the distributor cap and rotor at the same time should be completed every 50,000 miles, regardless of whether or not they are damaged. If your vehicle does not put on a lot of miles every year, it’s also a good idea to replace them every three years.
How many degrees of rotor movement does a V8 distributor need?
On a V8 distributor there is only 45 degrees of rotor movement between the centerlines of each spark plug wire terminal. The MSD illustrations we’ve included reveal why we must keep the rotor as close to the spark plug wire terminal as possible.