[Mike Fowke]

Originally Posted by Zooguy

Well it only took 2 days of messing with it and I used half a can of PB blaster half a can of seafoam deep creep and nearly a full can of WD-40 but I was finally able to get it all the way out. Unfortunately I'm going to need a new distributor.


What's everybody's opinion the MSD distributors available for Pontiacs?

Specifically I'm looking to get a 8528 or 8563

I may be the only dissenting voice, but I bought a MSD Ready-to-Run (8528) two or three years ago. It's been trouble free. I agree they are a bit pricey. Others on this board have had good experiences with DUI if you can stand the wait.

[AG]

My brother has been using a RTR for 3 years without issue so far. Hopefully it continues that way.

[b-man]

The original distributor lasted over 50 years and was functioning fine until it likely got too damaged during removal, only due to years of neglect and lack of maintenance did it get stuck.

Find another stock distributor and save that $500 for something the car really needs.

[25stevem]

Hey folks, the guy just got a car that’s been sitting for decades, so like B man posted the OP likely has far more pressing things to get to then blowing 450 to 500 buck on something that that will bring him no benefit in the present!

[Zooguy]

So on the main pulley/balancer there's a little line that you use to set your timing. Again as I've said in my other posts I'm new to this platform and I'm still learning. I'm assuming this timing mark is for top dead center (TDC) cylinder #1 ... Can somebody confirm if that is correct?

[25stevem]

Yes, that should be TDC if the outer ring of that balancer has not slipped.

When number 1 is truly at TDC with both valves closed,then number 6 Exh valve will be open.

On most 67 and up valve covers you can remove the air cleaner breather tube and its grommet and see if that's the case.

PS. Those Crank pulleys look dam worn so don't be surprised if your belts ware out fast, or if the tension needs constant readjustment.

[Schurkey]

Originally Posted by 25stevem

Yes, that should be TDC if the outer ring of that balancer has not slipped.

Agreed. The only V8 engine family I'm aware of that doesn't time off of #1 is the International 304/345/392, that times off of #8.

Originally Posted by 25stevem

When number 1 is truly at TDC with both valves closed,then number 6 Exh valve will be open.

Open on overlap--not open very far. Depending on how mild the cam is, and how much lifter leakdown there is, #6 valves can appear closed.

Originally Posted by 25stevem

PS. Those Crank pulleys look dam worn so don't be surprised if your belts ware out fast, or if the tension needs constant readjustment.

Good catch. I missed that.

[25stevem]

Well if nothing else with both valve covers off and the plugs out if your real close to TDC and rock the Crank nothing will be seen with movement in terms of the valves on cylinder 1, but # 6 Exh will be showing some movement.