Hello folks, I am new to this one. I'm just concerned about replacing my old distributor. Now my car is a 305 TBI how do i go about replacing the old one, where should i mark the rotor or base after removing it from the engine? I just needed to know how so i won't mess up the timing before installing a new distributor.

 

Make the marks BEFORE you remove the dist. No need to mark the rotor, it already has a nice mark - the tip.

When ready to remove the dist, remove dist cap. Wherever the rotor tip points, mark the dist body and the intake inline with the rotor tip. Transfer the dist body mark on the old dist body to the same location on the new dist body and install with all 3 marks lined up.

 

Okay I got it, but is it necessary to put the car on TDC first on 0 degree? What I know is pulling the plug of #1 cylinder and stick a screwdriver and turn the engine until the screwdriver goes up or pop out and check the mark if its on 0 degree. am I right?

 

Not necessary. The most important thing is that when the engine stops, that the rotor is pointing to a nice clean writing surface on the dist housing and the intake so your Sharpie mark won't wear off.

 

^^this is how i did it when i replaced mine^^ only i used a white paint marker to make my marks, you can also color in the timing mark(not the tab) with the white marker, makes it easier to read the timing

 

[QUOTE=Caveman305;5764416]^^this is how i did it when i replaced mine^^ only i used a white paint marker to make my marks, you can also color in the timing mark(not the tab) with the white marker, makes it easier to read the timing[/QUOT]

Got it thanks! I'll give an update soon.

 

Sorry this is an old post but if someone reads this for information after the fact I wanted to add another important piece. The information above is correct with one important note. DO NOT rotate the engine for any reason while you have the distributor out. It will not harm the engine but the marks you made on your distributor will no longer mean anything and you will have to find TDC on the engine and start from scratch when setting the distributor. For many this is common knowledge but for someone not used to car maintenance this is a key point.