distributor hold down bolt

[radiojoe]

Hey guys,

Maybe I am just blind- but I can't find the distributor hold down bolt on my '86 Ranger, 2.3L.

Any hints? Pictures appreciated!

I got this truck after what looks like a very botched tune up, as the distributor cap had the firing order as 1-2-3-4. It barely ran, so I suspect that they didn't realize they got the wires mixed up, and managed to somehow set the timing such that it ran (but barely).

Actually, if anyone had pics of what the "rough" spot is for the distributor spot, that would be great!

Thanks,
-Joe

 

[shadetree]

The bolt hole is in the block on the back side of the distributor base directly towards the block. I use a 11/16 wiggle socket on an extension.shady

 

[Bob Ayers]

Here is a photo, the bolt takes a 17mm socket:

 

[radiojoe]

Thanks- I barely saw that bolt last night and was hoping it wasn't it!

Cheers,
-Joe

 

[radiojoe]

Just to be clear- is this correct?

 

[travisl1345]

yea thats the right bolt.

 

[radiojoe]

Right, but do I have the numbers on the correct posts?

 

[shadetree]

For normal operation, you have the numbers one post too far clockwise. #1 cylinder is normally the post next to the right distributor cap screw. The books show it to be in the position you have marked, but most I have seen are one position counter-clockwise.

That being said, you need to check the position of the rotor cap. Remove #1 sparkplug, hold your thumb/finger over the plug hole. Rotate the engine until you feel compression against your finger. Watch for the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley and line it up with zero position on the timing tab on the timing belt cover. This is the postion for #1 sparkplug to fire.

Remove the distributor cap and look at the position of the rotor. It should be pointed at #1 sparkplug wire post inside the distributor cap. If not, let us know the position. You can do this by using a marker and make an alignment mark on the side of the distributor for the position of #1 plug, then when you remove the cap you will see if the rotor cap is in the correct position

The hold down bolt is a 17mm, but not everyone has a 17mm wiggle socket, so you can use a 11/16. The bolt is a bitch to access. You can get to it with a combination wrench, but you have to go under and up, and then it only turns a little bit at a time. A wiggle socket on an extension works better.shady

 

[travisl1345]

haha woops sorry didn't see that you had even marked the wires and what not before...

 

[odeste]

Thank you!! I've been thinking of trying to time mine for a learning experience and to maybe help in a slight 2nd gear hesitation that I have. After 2 months of occasionally opening the hood to find the damn hold down I keep giving up thinking I'm lucky for not opening a can of worms by playing with the timing anyway. But at least I know where one part is now!!

 

[TexasDuck66]

Here is a photo, the bolt takes a 17mm socket:

I know this is over a decade ago but do you know where the distributor hold down bolt is on an 83' 2.3L Carbed? I'm either blind or just stupid but I cannot find it at all.