unable to keep engine timed

[87sierra]

okay so my problem is timing the engine after I did intake gaskets
is the plate on the distributor that holds down the cap turns is it suppose to turn or not

 

[chengny]

Do you mean the distributor locking clamp?

The inner circle of the clamp fits up against the outer distributor shaft casing and on top of the shoulder.

With the lower surface of the shoulder sitting down in the machined bore of the intake manifold, the upper surface of that shoulder should be just above the level of the manifold.

When the clamp is tightened, it prsses the shoulder down into the bore and locks the distributor in place.

When its like that, the distributor should not be able to be turned.

 

[GreaseDog]

If you installed the clamp upside down, it wouldn't ever tighten up.

 

[chengny]

Or if the bolt is too long. Also, maybe if the gasket is missing the top of the shoulder might be lower than the intake manifold surface (I never checked that).

 

[87sierra]

not the clamp I mean the part where the cap is screwed onto is what turns and Im not sure if it should do that

 

[BigAl285]

Do you have the cap on correctly? I'm not exactly sure what you mean. You referring to what you see like behind the carb or what's under the cap?

 

[87sierra]

i mean what is under the cap that plate moves when you hold onto the distributor housing the plate moves and it looks like it should be locked in place and should move with the housing until the clamp is tight

 

[HotRodPC]

So you're talking the base plate inside the distributor under the distributor cap? I"m wondering if your talking about the Vacuum advance?

 

[BigAl285]

Those 2 plates are for the vacuum advance and will move some. If I remember right there will be 2 springs that go from one plate to the other just underneath the rotor. In order to see them the rotor has to be taken off. They are small springs too. I can't describe it the best but they control when and how soon or late the advance comes with on. I messed wth my springs when I was on the dyno. the springs are about the size of a pencil eraser. Are you plugging your vacuum advance line going to the carb when you set your timing? Are you sure your on number 1 cylinder tdc?

 

[87sierra]

I guess its the base plate I dont think I have vaccum advance since it is an 87 tbi engine if the base plate is where the ignition module is bolted to than that's the plate im talking about

 

[89Suburban]

I guess its the base plate I dont think I have vaccum advance since it is an 87 tbi engine if the base plate is where the ignition module is bolted to than that's the plate im talking about

That should not move at all, let me go look at mine....

 

[89Suburban]

That plate looks like it is pressed onto the aluminum housing. See the underside has a shoulder that is larger than the bore of the base plate. If your base plate spins on that housing that is not a good thing.

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[87sierra]

okay thanks for the information went and bought a used distributor for 45$ and that plate doesn't move

 

[Jims86]

Holy ****! never heard of the base plate separating.

 

[GreaseDog]

Me neither! Chewed off plenty of gears, wore out shafts, etc. never a loose plate.