distributor problems 318

hillbillyape · 01-20-2008, 02:38 AM

All ads that I've searched for purchasing a distributor for a 318 say that it will fit all small block engines. I have an '88 318 that has the hyd. roller cam. I purchased an early model 70's distributor to put in it but it is too short to engage the drive gear. Has anyone heard of this kind of problem?

440roadrunner · 01-20-2008, 10:00 AM

You simple do not have the correct distributor

Here's the list from Accel:

http://www.accel-ignition.com/Produc...minselection=2

According to this ALL small block distributors are the same ---" except Dodge "Magnum" Series 5.2L/5.9L and AMC/Jeep engines (Except Lean Burn)" ---and the "non" LA 318's which means the "early" engines

I'm not familiar with the 5.2/5.9L engines, so I cannot address that

It APPEARS--and I'm not familiar with these--that the SB LA distributor will NOT fit the "early" 318's known as "poly" or "polyspherical."

Also, you may have gotten one out of a 383, I don't remember the shaft length.

Big block engine distributors rotate CCW, OPPOSITE than yours which is CW. Look at the vacuum advance and see if it points the same direction on both units. Or, "spring" the rotor against the advance spring. You can rotate the rotor in the same direction as the distributor turns. That is, if you remove the cap on a SB, and try to turn the rotor, it will turn--against the spring-- CW

hillbillyape · 01-20-2008, 10:32 AM

Thanks 440ROADRUNNER, someone on ebay sold me a dist. for a big block.The dist. does rotate ccw according to the vac advance.Thanks a bunch.

wsalguero99 · 03-06-2008, 03:13 PM

Good stuff

Mopar Guy in Delaware · 04-03-2008, 11:23 PM

One of the best thing to determine is where the distributor was mounted. Back of the block, front of the block, right side, left side, all this will affect the rotation. Then there is length. There a real good article in this months Muscle Cars regarding what distributors will fit and operate in what blocks. It covers all the big three including Mopar.

01-20-2008, 02:38 AM	#1 (permalink)
hillbillyape Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 4	distributor problems 318 All ads that I've searched for purchasing a distributor for a 318 say that it will fit all small block engines. I have an '88 318 that has the hyd. roller cam. I purchased an early model 70's distributor to put in it but it is too short to engage the drive gear. Has anyone heard of this kind of problem?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Distributor	Commando	B-Body	8	12-13-2007 11:15 AM
73 satellite problems...	James93726	General Discussion	4	11-11-2007 10:48 AM
340 power problems in a truck	ddale	General Technical Questions	2	02-01-2007 04:46 PM
trans problems	skimo0104	Dodge Ram	1	12-30-2006 09:50 PM
transmission problems	skimo0104	New Member Section	0	12-06-2006 04:08 PM

01-20-2008, 10:00 AM	#2 (permalink)
440roadrunner Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 272	You simple do not have the correct distributor Here's the list from Accel: http://www.accel-ignition.com/Produc...minselection=2 According to this ALL small block distributors are the same ---" except Dodge "Magnum" Series 5.2L/5.9L and AMC/Jeep engines (Except Lean Burn)" ---and the "non" LA 318's which means the "early" engines I'm not familiar with the 5.2/5.9L engines, so I cannot address that It APPEARS--and I'm not familiar with these--that the SB LA distributor will NOT fit the "early" 318's known as "poly" or "polyspherical." Also, you may have gotten one out of a 383, I don't remember the shaft length. Big block engine distributors rotate CCW, OPPOSITE than yours which is CW. Look at the vacuum advance and see if it points the same direction on both units. Or, "spring" the rotor against the advance spring. You can rotate the rotor in the same direction as the distributor turns. That is, if you remove the cap on a SB, and try to turn the rotor, it will turn--against the spring-- CW

01-20-2008, 10:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
hillbillyape Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 4	Thanks 440ROADRUNNER, someone on ebay sold me a dist. for a big block.The dist. does rotate ccw according to the vac advance.Thanks a bunch.

03-06-2008, 03:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
wsalguero99 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 11	Good stuff

04-03-2008, 11:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
Mopar Guy in Delaware Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Delmar, Delaware Posts: 94	One of the best thing to determine is where the distributor was mounted. Back of the block, front of the block, right side, left side, all this will affect the rotation. Then there is length. There a real good article in this months Muscle Cars regarding what distributors will fit and operate in what blocks. It covers all the big three including Mopar.