Okay... So Installed a new intake today and decided It wouldn't clear unless I pulled the distributor off I have a Pertronix Flamethrower... And well I can't seem to get it to seat all the way down Is there any tricks on how to get this to sit? It looks like there's a hex key of some sort that has to fit. I can't seem to get it to drop all the way if anyone could throw me their 2 cents I'd appreciate it.

Thank you.

 

if it doesn't drop the full way then the problem is exactly as you mentioned. that hex key.
The camshaft gear drives the distributor (shaft) and at the bottom of the shaft there is the matchionk socket for your allen key. this key drives the oil pump.
Simply turn that key in engine a bit and it should seat fully then.

Best thing is to tape a socket to a long extension because the last thing you want is to loose your socket in there. i think its 5/16" socket on 289/302 (don't quote me on that!)

 

if you have the distributor in and its like only a quarter inch from being down all you do is bump the motor. connect your battery and turn your ignition key on like you were going to start the engine just for a split second and the distributor will fall into place. then tighten it down like you normally would

 

some people do. I absolutely hate the idea. No need for backtalking as I know that a lot of people here have successfully used this method and swear by it. it's just me personally. I'd never do it

 

Im getting it down it's jsut not dropping about a quarter inch. I'm afraid to bump it but... I know i'm getting that hex key in it's slot it's just not dropping down I can't figure out what is wrong.

 

Use a remote starter or have someone bump it over while you are putting a little downward pressure on the distributor...It will fall right in place...Don't worry you won't hurt anything..

 

I have used this trick many times. Getting so used to it if the distributor doesn't drop on the first try I hit the bump starter button. Never fails.

 

Fought with this damn thing ALL day and I was told to be careful with that oil pump hex key it can fall down into the pan. I got fed up and decided to yank it out turns out the key was never in the oil pump in the first place so it wasn't seating my distributor all the way down. Anyways, appreciate the help!

 

well that's good to know. you all sorted? running?

 

I have a 68 with a 289 and 302 heads with the same issue. So I've been following this and tried everything suggested here. I don't have a mark designating TDC, so I covered the #1 plug hole with my finger and turned the crank until it blew off, so I know I'm on the compression stroke. I tried to set the distributor at 1:00 o'clock and have the same problem. I bumped the engine but it just isn't going to drop that last 1/4". The hex key is standing straight up.

On a side note, my neighbor came by and dropped the distributor all the way down in seconds. Unfortunately, the #1 wasn't at TDC when he did it so it had to come back out. He wasn't able to repeat it.

I've got over 4 hours into this and am ready to take a bat to it. Knowing that may be counter productive, any help is appreciated.