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Fri Jul 06, 2012 5:24 pm

Help! I can't set my timing correctly in my '58, stock 1200as the vacuum advance canister hits the fuel pump. I tried rotating the dizzy 45degrees and rotating the plug wires clockwise 1 spot but then the canister hits the belt! I can get it running both ways but my timing is either to far advanced or retarded. I understand that my distributor drive pinion is out of place. My question is can I rotate it easily with the engine in the car? I read my trusty Bentley and they have the oil pump and crank pulley already removed at this point. Can I simply remove the distributor, fuel pump & pushrod and work the distributor drive up and over a couple of splines? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Fri Jul 06, 2012 5:59 pm

yes you can

Fri Jul 06, 2012 6:04 pm

There is (or should be) one or more thrust washers under the distributor drive. Just make sure you don't drop one into the cam gear. Removing the fuel pump will give you a small window to the operation.

Fri Jul 06, 2012 6:06 pm

Ok, Im starting on it in 5 mins... I'll keep you updated.

Fri Jul 06, 2012 6:19 pm

How high can I lift the pinion without risking losing the thrust washers? I'm scared like hell of dropping them in the case.

Fri Jul 06, 2012 6:34 pm

I think I've got it! While I'm at it do u think I should clean the sludge out of my fuel pump :shock: Holy crap, that must be 30 years of gunk!

Fri Jul 06, 2012 6:44 pm

Woahhhh. Thats grease! Guess I'll be leaving it there! I feel like I'm talking to myself... is that a sign of insanity? :lol:

Fri Jul 06, 2012 7:13 pm

Woahhhh. Thats grease! Guess I'll be leaving it there! I feel like I'm talking to myself... is that a sign of insanity? :lol:

Fri Jul 06, 2012 7:44 pm

Only if you repeat yourself. :lol:

Max

Fri Jul 06, 2012 9:09 pm

Thanks for the advice, just came back from a cruise and she runs MUCH better! One of those jobs that was much easier than I thought.

Fri Jul 06, 2012 10:39 pm

Hands on education is the best kind.

Sat Jul 07, 2012 9:48 am

Clean that grease out of your fuel pump and replace it with new clean grease. The pump will thank you for that!

Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:45 pm

Already done! I consulted with Mr. Bentley who told me to fill the lower bowl with grease so I cleaned her out and did just that..

Thanks again!

Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:46 pm

Already done! I consulted with Mr. Bentley who told me to fill the lower bowl with grease so I cleaned her out and did just that..

Thanks again!