1958 66 Thunderbird Distributor Installation Procedure

This video shows how to properly install a distributor into a Ford FE family engine, how to line up the cylinders and timing marks to top dead center and properly line up the rotor to #1 on the distributor cap. As Zed would say, "Exciting stuff!"

Distributor wrench Snap-On S9707

[Sulfuron]

I'm so glad you posted this! I wrestled with my distributor for 2 hours trying to get that last step to drop down. My problem ended up being the oil pump drive shaft would always fall over, preventing the distributor from fully seating correctly. I ended up putting a glob of grease onto the end of a screwdriver, and used the grease to keep the shaft centered while I positioned the distributor. It dropped right in after that.

[luissosa]

Very interesting and so informative. You make everything sound so easy. Thank you!

[chrissmollen]

I have a question. My 428 is freshly rebuilt, when I get the #1 cylinder to TDC shouldn't my rotor point towards the #1 cylinder? Your rotor seems to be pointing at #6 or #7. When you put your cap and wires on will the wire from the #1 cylinder go to spot on the cap where the rotor is pointing?

[chrissmollen]

I just read a previous question and answer. So you get the #1 cylinder to TDC the the rotor points to #1 on the cap?

[servicetechnician]

Hey Nick, I like the way you show the proper way of doing this. I see that you could purchase a new harmonic balancer if the rubber section is bad causing the outer ring of the balancer to slip, causing incorrect timing settings. Just wondering if you have ever encountered this, or is it a non-issue?

[DavidFlores-luji]

I have a 66 thunderbird that I'm doing the brakes on can you do a video that talks about how you put the brake booster and master cylinder back in and how to put the pedal switch for the brake lights back together if you can't make the video please respond to my comment as I do need help with putting the brakes back together and I'm know I can definitely use your knowledge thanks big fan of the videos
- David

[LuisLopez-htmk]

I pulled out the distributor to change it here intake manifold gaskets and the oil pump drive shaft fell in the oil pan.

[whitlcj]

Mine does not have the 1 mark on the cap. 1966 galaxie 390

[whitlcj]

I thought you point the rotor to #1 at TDC... You're pointed to #6 or #7. What am I supposed to do here. Ha