Semi-Stupid Distributor Question

[Bambikiller240]

Hi Guys:

OK, this may sound like a dumb question and I've hesitated to post it for a week now, but as my Mom says; "Nobody sweats the details like Carl" so I have to ask it even if I sound stupid.

I'm using a new (Nissan rebuilt) distributor on my rebuilt engine and the distributor that came from Courtesy does not have the housing that actually mounts to the Timing cover. Yu have to use your old one. Where you separate the distributor from the mounting base there is a "degree'd scale" that has markings for amounts of advance or retard. Now, this is NOT the place where you rotate the distributor to set timing when doing a tune-up. It seems to be set (at the factory?) and never changed.

The distributor that I removed from the engine has this set to ONE increment on the scale to the ADVANCE side of ZERO. The distributor from another engine that I have laying around has this set to 1/2 of an increment to the ADVANCE side of zero.

Common sense tells me it shouldn't matter much where this is set since you advance/retard the timing by rotating the distributor from a different place on the distributor housing but I want to be sure I don't do ANYTHING to screw up this motor. I have too much time and money invested in it.

Any thoughts, experience, or advice will be appreciated.

[That Ozzy Guy]

Sorry Carl I can't help you mate but I thought I'd make you feel better. I don't have a clue what you are asking so it's not a stupid question at all.

Or am I really simple in the head?

Either way it's not a stupid question.

Goodluck

[Victor Laury]

I had the same reaction as George, but I suspected it was the Margarita I've been sipping...

"If it's such a stupid question, how come I don't get it?"

[2ManyZs]

Since your static timing is set at the crank pulley, the scale is actually worthless if you ask me.....

I've got one of the "euro" distributors that has a scale that has a scale marked out with "R" and "A" so that you only know that you are retarding or advancing the timing to give you a referrence point.

If you wanted to, I see no reason you can't put whichever scale on the distributor that you want as it is only bolted onto the bottom of the body.. they should both be "zeroed" to the same point as far as I know.

Does that answer your ?

[2ManyZs]

BTW Victor, I have a cousin who has the same trouble when sipping on a Margarita.....

but she's a blonde!

:cross-eye

[Victor Laury]

You can't blame me.. I make Margaritas....GOOOOD!

Bad day at work, good evening for a powerfull Tequila potable.

[Gav240z]

Not exactly sure if I can help all I know is some of the distributors have a marking under the rotor button I think it was. Where it says a number 9 or 12 the 12's are rare the 9's are easy to get. The 12's will allow for plenty of advance.

SOmething I learnt the other day don't know if it helps.