AboutBen Deutschman Expertise Questions ONLY related to Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge Slant-Sixes from 1960-1975. You can ask me about Engine Timing, general specifications, do`s and don`ts, and details such as proper installation of `Spark Plugs` on the 1960-74 `Slant-Sixes.`
Experience I own and work on a 1960 plymouth, powered by a 'Slant-Six', have also worked on a 1968 'Slant-Six', a 1975, a 1964, and and 1970 'Slant-Six'
Organizations Ben Deutschman
POCI Legislative Liaison
President Of The NY/NJ Slant-Six Club Of America
http://www.poci.org
http://bencar.freeyellow.com/76TAPage.html
http://bencar.freeyellow.com/benscarpage.html
http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=nynjslant6 (NY/NJ Slant-Six Club Of America Website)
Publications Smoke Signals (Pontiac-Oakland Club International)
Hemmings Motor News
Education/Credentials B.A 'Labor Relations', 'Rutgers University' (Livingston College Campus)
I pulled the distributor cap off and had my son bump the ignition. My pertronix rotor didn't move. I was told that it was probably a bad drive gear. Following some advice I marked two spots on the engine and the distributor before pulling it out. Sure enough the drive gear is in pieces. I have ordered a new one and would like to know what I need to do to get this 71 Demon 225 slant six running once the drivegear is replaced and the distributor is put back in the same position as when I pulled it out?
Thank you
Jeff
Answer If you've turned the engine with the Distributor out, or just don't remember what position the Rotor was in when you pulled the Distributor, then you'll have to get do the following:
Remove #1 Spark Plug, Remove the Valvecover, get a Remote Starter Button (sold in most Auto Parts Stores). Hook up the Starter Button according to the instructions provided with it. Crank the engine while watching the #1 Intake Valve Tappet (front of engine). When you see the Tappet come back to the closed position (no tension on the Pushrod), and before the Exhaust Tappet moves, STOP. Check the rotating Timing Mark on the button Pulley, the one closest to the Engine (Vibration Damper), make sure it lines up with the TDC (Top Dead Center) mark on the stationary Timing Tab. If everything checks out, and using a Chilton's, Haynes, or similar Manual, locate #1 on the Distributor Cap, once you do that, aim the rotor at #1 Cylinder, and carefully lower the Distributor into the hole it belongs in. Be careful, as you slip the Distributor in, the Gear will try to turn the Distributor Shaft forward. If this happens, the Rotor may wind up past #1 on the Distributor Cap. You may then need to carefully remove the Distributor just far enough to be able to turn the Rotor back a bit, and retry the installation, until you get the Rotor to line up with #1 and point at the #1 cylinder. Leave the Holddown just loose enough to allow for timing adjustments, and try cranking over the engine with the Remote Button, and the Ignition Switch on. If you've done things right, the engine should start, and once warmed up, you can make your final timing adjustments, and then lock down the Holddown Bolt.
