Distributor/timing question

[Si|v3r72]

I checked my timing today and it's just slightly off. I'd like to correct it, but I don't know which screw/bolt loosens the distributor so I can make the adjustment. Can someone describe which it is?

FYI this is for a 72 240 with the single point dizzy.

[2ManyZs]

Find a 10 mm wrench first, then look under the distributor body. You should see two bolts, one on the valve cover side and one on the back side. Loosen them both a little and turn the distributor. You should have a silver plate under the bolts with a small scale on a tab that sticks out a little further than the rest of the plate. One bolt is the pivot bolt, the other is on the adjustment groove in the plate. Sometimes they are a little hard to see under the plug wires but they should be fairly easy to get to if the distributor is in correctly.

[Daniel]

loosen the single screw that is across from the timing a/r indicator plate to make your adjustments.The two screws 2mz is refering to are for dist. removal.They would move the entire dist. including the a/r plate making the reference invalid.Be gentle on that screw as it is one that breaks easy if it hasn't been moved for awhile.Working it back and forth usually aids in breaking it loose.

[Si|v3r72]

Ok I found the screw but it's stripped both inside and out. I can't get to it with a socket and the inside is too stripped for all size screwdrivers. SO, I can't budge the thing. I tried tapping a hammer on a screwdriver against the plate itself to see if I could get it to move but no go. I suppose I'll have to take the dizzy apart just to get to the screw, but I'm not sure if it's worth it for as little as the timing mark is off.

Any suggestions?

[2ManyZs]

Guess you might as well go ahead and pull the distributor and fix it, it should have had a 10mm hex head bolt in it. So somewhere along the line someone has messed with it. You'll probably end up needing to fix it sooner or later, might as well do it now while you are thinking about it.

[Daniel]

I agree with 2mz's.The neat thing about a Z dist. is it will only go back in correctly.Its fool proof.Remove the two screws at the dist base at the block.Remove dist cap vacuum line and wire from dist.Wiggle it loose.It's very easy.It also makes it very easy to change/set points and condensor.Vise grips will remove the bad screw.Again be careful not to snap it.Be gentle Daniel

[jcdozier]

Si|v3r72

Ditto 2ManyZs - you only have to remove two bolts and the dist. is easy to pull out.

From the posts it appears you may not have a Haynes manual yet. If I may make a suggestion, IMHO spending a modest amount on some books is a pretty good Z-car investment. I have three that I use:

- the "basic" Haynes manual

- How to Modify Your Nissan & Datsun OHC Engine (Frank Honsowetz-Fisher Books)

-How to Restore Your Datsun Z-Car (Wick Humble-Fisher Books)

I'm not juicing up my engine, nor am I doing a restore on my 240, but I find the two "extra" books helpful. There is often additional information and/or pictures that "supplement" the Haynes manual information in one of the other two.

OBTW, I am NOT trying to discourage you or anyone else from posting. I, and I am sure others, learn a lot from the posts here and hope all will continue sharing their Z knowledge.

[Si|v3r72]

Ok the dizzy comes out this weekend.

As for books, I agree, you gotta have at least one. I currently have the original Nissan Engine service manual for model L20A and L24. and the Clymer Datsun 240-280Z Shop Manual. Both of these books are excellent IMO.