Distributor issue

I am mostly finished with my rebuild. Willys F head purrs like a kitten. Last item I was going to install is a new "electronic" distributor that I purchased from Walcks. For whatever reason, it did not have any directions with it. So I have been a little hesitant to tackle it. Anyway, in looking at my original distributor, the wires seem to be "off" according to the firing order diagrams I see. That is, my #1 wire is attached at about the 7 o'clock position, and all others follow as they should. As I said, the engine runs fine, but is there an issue that could cause the distributor hook ups to be off by one post? Could my oil pump be installed one tooth off?
Scratching my head.

 

Another thought on distributor installation. I am finding several articles that describe bringing the #1 piston to TDC when replacing a distributor. But, with an offset slot as in the 134, is that nessesary? It seems to me that the distributor shaft will only fit one way period. So no matter the position, can you not just pull the old one out and install the new one in the same orientation? Or am I just not seeing the whole picture?

 

Proper indexing of the oil pump is often overlooked at install.

 

Hi,

I had the same questions you have and can't wait to hear what other have to say.

The tab on mine needed to be ground down a bit to make it fit. (It was too thick). I did bring the #1 piston to TDC and check the rotor position before I started to plug the spark plug wires in the 1, 3, 4, 2 sequence. My number one wire is now pointing up at about 2 o'clock... I'm surprise you are pointing at 7 o'clock. Just like yours, my F134 runs good - albeit a little too rich for my taste.

Pierre

 

Ha ha! I am surprised yours is at 2:00. That would seem to be 180 degrees out in my mind. Mine is a rebuilt Jasper engine that I bought back in 1986 or so. It was a complete long block, so the oil pump could have been installed slightly off I guess. Hope someone here has some insight.