How to install distributor

[dodged100]

I bought a new distributor to put in my 76 D100 318. Hopefully this fixes the problem of me having no spark. I bought a distributor with points. That way there is only one wire to hook up and I think i may have a problem in my wiring. Does anyone know how many bolts there are and what I need to do to take out my old distributor and install my new one. This is probably a dumb question to a lot of you but I have never put one in. Also will i have to get the timing back in order or will I just be able to drop it in and go. THanks Adam :help:

[Rayven]

ok first of all take off the distributor cap and pay close attention to the direction or the rotor button is pointing, secondly there is only one bolt that holds the distributor in place but u will need a 90 degree angled 1/2 on 9/16 wrench to get to the bolt, pull out distributor and replace with new one, u will have to leave the hold down bolt just loose enuff so that u can turn the distributor, but tight enuff so it wont turn on its own, to set the timing. also did u try a new coil, or ballast resistor, or voltage regulator, or it could even be the pickup coil in the distributor, not to mention u get better spark from a new electronic distibutor and that is alot easier to hook back up

[Speed Dragon]

Points aren't hard to hook up at all, and are easy to set too, especially if the distributor is out. I always set them to be just barely closed on the flats, and they work good. I think the proper setting is .016 or .017, old-timers used to use a matchbook back to check with :)

[tonyholst]

If your old distributor did not have points you will have to by-pass the Spark Control module and change some wiring...also you must change from a dual ballast resistor to a single. There are plenty of threads that will show you the diff between pre and post 1972 ignition and wiring.... the best solution is to replace your old dist. with an identical unit........Good luck.

Tony

[B-300]

To make it easiest, turn the engine to #1 TDC then it will be a snap to time and you will now which way to point the rotor. It should point towards the front if it's in correctly.
--B-300--

[bherder]

Uhhh.... Mmmmmm .....

I'm still trying to figure out why.. Anyone would want to go from electronic ignition to a points ignition....

That's going back to 'Yabba-Dabba-Doo!' to me.... But to each his own, I guess ;)

[Rayven]

i have to agree with bherder its kinda pointless. i know bad pun

[dodged100]

Well I decided not to change the distributor. I got in there to do it and figured I would shake some wires around first. Well it was a miracle the truck fired up. It runs great until you park it even if it is running it dies again. Then you have to shake wires for 2 hours to start it again. I cant remember what set of wires I shook when it started but I think the plastic firewall connections are crappy. Does anyone know where I can get brand new firewall harness I can splice my wires and put into. By the way I cut off all the electrical tape off my wires that someone wrapped them with and they look brand new. Either someone had wiring problems before or they swapped engines and decided to start fresh.

[Speed Dragon]

Heh, you find somewhere to find brand new firewall plugs for these trucks and 124985765687234725 other Dodge trucks owners will thanks you immensely ;)