Distributor Bolt

[ScottT80]

This may seem like a stupid question, but where is the bolt that holds the distributor in place and how do I get to it? My truck is running awful, the distributor has worked itself loose. I need to reset the timing. I've read up on the spout connector and have borrowed a timing light and a 1/2 inch distributor wrench.

The distributor can be rotated freely by hand right now... sometimes the truck runs decent, sometimes it doesn't... depends on where its vibrated out to. Where is the bolt at that holds it in place? If I can find it, I think I can handle the rest of it.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

it should be right at the base of the dizzy, right next to where it enters the block. if its not there, perhaps its vibrated clear out

 

[ScottT80]

Thats exactly what I'm afraid of... does anybody have a pic of where it should be? I'm totally having to go by feel, as I can't really see anything back there.

 

[Tedybear]

If you think of the base of the disty like a clock- With noon being pointed directly to the firewall-- The bolt is about 1/2" from the disty shaft at the 11:00 position.

The disty is held in place using a small triangle metal wedge that sticks up about 1/4" from the block, held in place by one 13mm (1/2") bolt. If you get your hand on the base of the shaft, where it meets the block? You should be able to feel that steel wedge with the bolt in the center of it.

S-

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

this is my 3.0, which is a little different, but similar to your 2.9:

you can see the dizzy bolt (with big flat washer, in the 3.0's case) near the rear of the intake.

hope this gives you somewhat of an idea.

 

[koolmilds]

just snapped this pic for ya...

 

[ScottT80]

Thanks guys! That'll help... too late to mess with it tonight but hopefully I'll get a chance within the next day or so.

 

[Bent Bolt]

A little help for you. I find it almost easy to get at the distributor on my 2.9 by getting up and laying on top of the engine. I then can use both arms to reach around between the engine and firewall.