Man, I am a younger guy working on my first 350 in a 69 Camaro and let me tell you.... people like you are what make the internet a fabulous place!!! Thank you so much sir for taking your hard earned free time to film, edit and educate those around you! Thank you!!

After struggling with my dist for over an hour, busting knuckles, back, and balls while laying atop my engine, I went inside and found your video. 15 minutes later my truck was running. Many thanks!

I’ve seen at least 25 videos of installing a distributor. This is The best distributor video hands down.

This was one of the best informative videos I have seen. Over the years, I was one of those guys that always had trouble installing the distributor. I would always try to line up the female oil pump drive rod with the distributor and never got it right. After watching your video, I went to my garage and installed the distributor on my 65 Corvette within only a few minutes. There are so many other "how to" videos out there but they tend to ramble on and on. Yours was straight to the point and had a no nonsense approach to the topic. Thanks again.

This is without a doubt the simplest anyone has made one of these videos thank you so much

I’ve watched thousands of how to vids. This is the best. No game show host theatrics, just the instructions.

You, sir, are a blessing to men like me who didn't have good fathers.

Ooooooold school mechanic here. In my 37 years of turning wrenches, this is the first time I've seen this....absolutely brilliant! Feel like a complete idiot for doing it all the wrong ways for all those years lol!

Thank you. You have refreshed my memory and taught me something new. I was one of those people that used the long screw driver to adjust the oil pump shaft, but now I see the better way to do it.

I cannot express how happy I am for finding your video! This video has helped me get my truck running and for that I'm very grateful!

Im 17, ive got a 1983 chevy c20 that was originally a inline 6, this makes the third small block ive put in it, even after having 4 separate motors in my truck everyone has a different way of teaching/ explaining it and having nobody to teach me how to do theses things ive found most videos just waste my time however the in depth explanation you gave all of your viewers is exactly what i needed. Thank you sir, here’s hoping this one wont sling a rod like the last ones

Omg I spent about 15-20 minutes for no reason today this is so easy the way you did it all I can say live and learn and one of the best videos I've seen explaining it as simple as it can get.

I'm putting a new distributor in my 74 camaro in a few days & I have to say this was a great video to run across all I was doing was trying to look up a review on the distributor I ordered & stumbled upon this gem 💎. Years later & your video is still helpful appreciate it & yes I subbed. Lol

Just wanted to say thank you for the video. Had to rebuild my 383 and was a little confused by the timing. This video broke everything down perfectly for me and was easy to follow and understand. You really helped me out there, thanks a ton! Great video!

I'm a vintage person now and I remember learning this in Autoshop and becoming very good at it. I was the rotor rat in my circle of friends. With modern ignition and such I forgot, thanks for making me feel 18 again! Carry on sir....

Thanks Myron!! You have answered one of my biggest questions on aligning a distributor with the oil pump shaft. Finally!!!

Great vid man, really appreciate the way you demonstrated this and the rotating the engine by hand to mesh the oil pump with the distributor is a keen tip; great work and please keep the videos coming!

Man I'm really glad I found this! You give a perfect explanation of exactly how to install a distributor. You must be a vocational teacher because you make it so clear, simple, and understandable! I subscribed

This is the simplest way I have seen anyone explain on how to install a distributor on a Chevy engine thank you so much for posting this video

this is by far the best video I've seen on this.

Thank you for the KISS method of Installing a distributor!!!!!!!

Absolutely brilliant. First time I've seen this trick. In the past, I messed with small blocks and did it other ways, but this makes so much sense and I'm about to reassmble my upper end. So the timing is perfect (pun intended).

I'm an LS guy . Haven't worked on an old small block in a while, just getting back into it with my new project. Has a 327 in it I'm gonna freshen up. Thanks for the video. Very well explained and right to the point.

Best video Ive found so far for the SBC. Really helped me out. Thanks!

THANKS MAN!!! Pulled my 68 Chevelle out of storage after about 12 years. I pulled my distributor in order to "prime" the oil system, and then replaced the distributor thinking: "its pretty close" NOPE! Been trying to start it for a couple weeks, chasing phantom problems. Once we suspected timing was the problem, we found this video, and within an hour we had it running! Thank you very much!

Great video, you are a great man for taking the time to help people like me that struggle with stuff like this. A plus from Bob Silver!

Great video! As an alternate method, you can stop the crankshaft @ 6 to 8 degrees BTDC (# 1 on compression stroke) Now install the distributor, and loosely snug the hold-down clamp bolt. With the ignition coil in place, a spark plug cable connected to the # 1 cap tower, a spark plug in the boot of the # 1 cable, you will power up the ignition triggering unit. Next, you will rotate the distributor against the normal direction of rotation as you look for one spark event. (you may want to do this several times) When you see the spark event, stop and gently further lock the distributor down. Now you are close enough to BASE advance for the initial start-up.

You da man, I fought my dist for 45 min before watching your video, tried your method and worked great. Rotated engine and Bingo , it was dead on 0 degrees TDC. Thanks a lot.

you know i'm in my 50's started working on cars when i was 5 or 6. mostly chevys and this is the 1st time i've ever heard of putting a dist in this way. its always been a pain until now. thanks, Dave

After All These Years & You Are Still Helping Ppl With This Video! Thank you 😎

Don’t forget to put the gasket on the distributor! Good video of a really simple process!

It's been at least 10 years since I installed a Chevy distributor, and I had forgotten the easiest way to do it. I found this before going back to trial and error (mostly error). Thanks!

I watch a lot of videos on KZfaq and I have to say u explain things very clearly you’re very good spokesperson and I’m gonna follow your videos all the ones you post thank you for helping me find TDC😊

Just like the others, what a simpler way, no more struggling. Excellent explanation!

Thank you for the video. VERY helpful. I just picked up a 68 chevy c10 with a 307 and mallory distributor that was junk and now dropping in a new 1 and this will really help get it running.

I have been looking for this video for about 3 months now which is why my truck has not been running all because of a blown head gasket. Thank you so much!

I cannot express how much this video helped me. I blew a head gasket on my 350 small block and after about 8 times of trial and error before I watched this video I could never get it re timed. After watching this video she fired right up. Thank you so much man!

Wow…. I’m 35 and work on mostly new stuff.. But I’ve installed a handful of distributors… Maybe 30-40 times.. Rare enough I’ve always gotta pull up a video just to get a refresher… Have always done it the way my dad did it when i was a kid.. Long screwdriver and try and match up the pump notch.. So glad i stumbled on this video!! How have i never thought to turn the crank once the dizzy is meshed with the cam!! You’re a wizard, sir!!

So many thanks to this video, I wish you knew how much headache I went through before this. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

I have always over complicated distributor timing in my head and you my friend have cleared the fog!

Best video I've found so far for getting TDC!

Thank you for showing us that it was very informative I just bought a new distributor for my 350 this is exactly what I needed to know just some reminders haven't done it in years

Just bought a 1970 Chevy CST C/10 and this video is spot on for what I need to do. Thanks!

thank you for posting this video, I used it as a following guide today, 5-29-2019 to put a new distributor into my 1975 Chevy Monte Carlo, I followed it exactly as you said, and everything went perfect , the car fired up first try, thanks again

You can put a piece of tape on the manifold after setting the distributor at the exact amount of advance and use the tape to then align the cap. This make for no backfiring at all and the timing is usually extremely close.

Thanks? I never thought of putting it in that way, It fired right up after I got it to fall in!!! Far easier than using a screw driver!!

This a great how-to. I have used this over and over to share with folks who are inexperienced. 100% the correct way to do it. Having the valve cover off helps to visualize.

If you want the engine to fire right up without fiddling with the timing, rather than setting TDC on #1 comp at 0* on the timing tab, set your TDC to 10* BTDC then drop the distributor in. If your vacuum advance is hitting the intake and you need more timing you will need to lift the distributor off the cam gear and move the rotor 1 tooth clockwise.

All my life I would take the long screwdriver and try to line up the oil pump shaft. Once I saw how simple this method is, I' ve never done it the hard way again. Thx for a great video.

Your rotating the engine method while the distributor is already to get it lined up with the pump saved me SOOO much time thank you 😍

This video helped me get my engine running!! THANK YOU

your detailed explanation answered all my questions! thank you

Thanks for sharing your knowledge ill help me to fix my 82 c10 GOD bless u for helping people bcos thats what u are doing helping people with your knowledge! Thaks

Your details and way of teaching has made even a novice diy mechanic like myself have the knowledge and confidence too get the job done right the first time. I personally want to Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with me . God bless you and your Family 🤗 👌

holy cow what a great video I wish I had seen this a couple of years ago. at least I can get my timing right now. thank you.

This is a very good video! Also if anyone is trying to start their truck. If the distributor is still installed, Put cylinder one at TDC COMPRESSION STROKE. Look under the cap and see what the rotor is pointed at. where ever it is pointed at is firing order #1. Took me awhile to realize this. I really didn't want to pull my distributor just to install another pick up coil and shaft. But I got new parts if that ever gets really bad lol

This was the simplest best explanation of what I needed to know I wish I had seen this sooner but now I can fix my problems with my timing easily thank you so much for this video !

im new to all this and working with oldschools this video is the best one ive ever seen... ive sat for hours searching found nothing really good.... i watched the video and did that literally one time with no mistakes... just do as you said .. thank you very much... i can start my 64 wagon now

Always good information from your videos. Clearly explained .How to do it the 'right' way.

i have seen a few videos and the one thing i had trouble with was not knowing if the oil rod had to work in the timing of everything else .... you made it much easier to understand with the way you explained things and i would like to say thank you and i look forward to more of your vids

Excellent job on your explanation on why I needed to turn the motor once the distributor gear is matched with the Cam gear. I never knew that.

This is the BEST video ive seen on KZfaq for distributor install. Thanks

i was just watching this video for the hell of it now i found out i been doing it the hard way all this time with the crew driver thanks im try this next time

Thank you for this “crystal clear” way to get this job done. I got it done with confidence, all this after a week of getting it all wrong.

Great video, so simple never thought to do it this way!

One thing I used to do with setting Distributors and engines was if I wanted to timing Mark at 8 degrees I will set the timing at 10 and whether you're at points or electronic distributor you could set the distributor timing so accurate that you just watch the points open or with electronic distributor you set up to where the trigger Wheels are lined up and a little bit of head most of the time I didn't to reset the timing you said everything just degree ahead and it works out perfect thanks same thing with priming carburetors making sure your oils prime before you start it up and then set your distributor in by the way I learned this method from working on VW engines very accurate way to set timing that way if your have your carburetor projected and primed timing set then all you have to do is make sure that you breaking the can breaking the Rings throw light on it double check it and recheck the carb settings besides double-checking oil and water

I always just drop it in the pump, and then just move one tooth at a time moving the pump as It clicks one tooth at a time. Especially if engine is in the Car... it's what I came up with, as a kid installing engine in my late Pops work trucks.... I was probably 9 or 10. It works great. I still do it if changing distributor in vehicle not on engine stand . I use this method... I align close with my priming tool, made from a HEI distributor housing. Great teaching Sir... I learned everything by trial error in the 70's.... Great video 😎 Content.

Thank you for explaining this. Makes a hell of a lot more sense now!

please do another video... this time with a starter motor installed and using a remote starter button.. just the finger or even easier a single spark plug in the #1 cylinder to find the compression stroke.. (removing 2 thru 8 ..) when you turn the engine to seat the distributor on the oil pump shaft.. Stop the damper at the base timing mark you want without going past.. incase there is slack in the timing chain.. remove the distributor rotor and turn the housing to align the tips of the pickup coil with the tips of the reluctor on the distributor shaft.. that is where the distributor will fire the spark plugs.. this allows you to get the timing usually within 2 or 3 degrees of where you want it.. if you do this on an engine that is ready to start on the stand.. you will be amazed.. that one can install the distributor in seconds.. Huge hint.. when removing the distributor.. preset the crank so the rotor is pointing close to the #1 wire position.. take off the rotor.. slowly turn the crank in normal direction of rotation. till the reluctor aligns with the pickup coil . if you note the timing marks on the damper. you know know what the base timing was on the motor.. so you can remove the distributor and work on it or swap it.. and get it back in and reset the timing as described above.. allowing the engine to start without needing to turn the distributor to get it started... 4 stars for the above video..

Worked like a charm. Very helpful and simple. Thanks

I want to thank you for this video! I was banging my head against the wall. I am a little thick so had to watch this several times but alas I got it.My balancer did not have any numbers on it anymore and I was not sure where on the the "pointer" was the 0 line. Once I watched the vid for the 8th time I see where you lined it up and BANG! I got spark. The advance adjustment was easy once I was in the oil pump drive. It took me two days but I finally got it... Thank you once again!

You have it right- I used the screwdriver method several times but this method makes it easy and one shot --done.

hey thank you so much, my dizzy popped out and i went to go re set the timing, while bumping the engine it actually fell back in place, and using the valve covers i was able to verify that it was set right! top teir advice on letting the motor turn to let it fall in place!

Yeah this is really important I came across a lot of vehicles that had Distributors installed a few degrees out and run like crap most common symptom I found was backfiring up through the carburetor

I'm 50 and have always had trouble trying the screwdriver method.im in the middle of changing a tbi to carb walked out dropped distributor in just like in your vid spun crank and plop.. thanks great information

I watched this video then installed my distributor in my 350 Chevrolet for the first time it fired right up thank you very much.

Actually one of the best info videos I have watched....Thanks you!

I watched this video thinking well that’s easy the engine is on a stand. Works the same with a motor in the vehicle. Got to TDC, meshed the gear with rotary button facing #1 and bumped the starter till the distributor dropped into place. Worked like a charm

Thanks for the information. It took me hours to get the distributor in. Finally there is a good KZfaq video that helps people out. Thank you so much and keep on posting. I am going to like and subscribe.

Blew my mind it’s that simple. I’m doing my first one on my own in my yard and was overthinking this the whole time. Glade I came across this video

Finally a video I understand. Thank you, I am very grateful 👍👍

Thank you, I am going to for the first time in my life install a new front seal, water pump, Edelbrock intake, a Holly carb. and an updated distributor and get rid of the old point system, new valve covers and air cleaner. This is all new to me. I appreciate your video. I am even new to finding top dead center. ;)

Much like all the other comments, I'm very glad to have put this on here. I always like to see the other ways things can be done and made easier.

Your video cinched my needs 100 percent your presentation made it work for me. Thanks

By far the best video I have ever seen on this subject, Thank-you for sharing the RIGHT knowledge. made me think of an old timer that used to help me before he passed, he always said “keep it simple, stupid” 😂

Thanks so much for your video and explanation! Makes a ton of sense!

Man you rock, this video shows you how to truly how to find top dead center. By seeing the intake valve rotate and the exhaust this helps to make sure your not 180. Man I forget how to do this. on my drag race motor. 12 video I look it, and your is the best so far. thanks again.

Yes! Thank you very much! I got my engine to turn on because of your video.

Thank you very much for this tip. I was in all honesty going to try the screwdriver thing

Wow... thank you for the straight forward explanation, appreciate you sharing your knowledge

This video was EXTREMELY helpful!!!!!

This video just saved me a bunch of time! I’m reinstalling the distributor in my 1967 Buick GS340 and this video was great! Thanks!!!

You are very simple plain and straight to the point.

There are lots of vids on how to do this. This is the best one I've seen. Once the distributor is timed to the cam, the rest follows. Simple.

wow man you made that so clear to me finally. i hope you have more videos in the future.

Great video this is going to help me out a lot Since on my small block I have the valve cover off I'm going to do exactly what you did in this video so I can have the timing somewhat right

That was so simple and easy. No more using a long screwdriver to adjust for me!! Thank you sir.

Thank you.. i will be trying this shortly. I came here as my dizzy is in but not dropping down. thank you very much!

Good advice friend I'm going to use that technique when I put my distributor back in my throttle body thank you

Awesome explanation, best I have come across in KZfaq..Thank you!