distributor problems 318
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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?
Mopar Lover
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 248
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
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
Guest
Posts: n/a
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.
at least i have not seen any for awhile even 1bm
Mopar Lover
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 28
From: MICHIGAN
cant say thet i do 78 but we need to get some one going on this as they are hitting all the old threads and thats not good i just wish 1BM would get on here or some one else and let us know what they are doing about it.. this crap they are putting on here will hurt the forums as the younger gen, will read it and not want to come on here ( is there anyone who might know who we can contact for this garbage 
Mopar Lover
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,846
Likes: 140
take look at jimsautoparts. i think this is what you need. p3690426. but ask about rotation. small blocks turn clockwise. i am not sure about length. and buy two extra ballasts, put them in the glove box. the first time it doesnt start, just swap out the ballast under the hood.
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