[themoose]

 This is a simple trick that most of you probably know but because I see so many questions on the subject posted around various car sites I thought it might be worth posting. People are often challenged when installing a Chevy distributor with getting everything lined up as properly as far as the timing with the rotor pointing at number one position and getting the distributor to drop in fully to engage the oil pump drive. I've seen it suggested by a number of people to either try to move the pump shaft with a long screwdriver to get things lined up so that the distributor drops in fully or to find a spot where the unit will drop in and then rewire the cap to the new number one position. I trick I learned years ago form a great Chevy mechanic was to get the rotor pointed where I wanted and if the distributor didn't seat fully all you had to do is put slight pressure on the unit and bump the engine over until it dropped in. Even though the unit isn't fully seated the gear is already meshed so the timing will remain in the correct position while the shaft is turned to all for engagement with the slotted shaft. As I said most of you already know but maybe it will help someone just getting involved with the hobby.       
 

[sammons]

Moose  I had never thought of doing that, neat idea! I think I was about 12 when dad taught me to "Walk" the distributor.  Told me to get the motor on #1 TDC, then slam distributor down all the way, then walk it one hole at a time till the distrib pointed at the correct #1 position for the intake/carb set up. (Hi-rise/ 2x4/3x2, etc)

Gonna try that sometime!