Thanks for the tip. I definitely have to be careful because I know nothing about firing orders & timing

ray:
Well, I bet everyone is exhausted explaining this, but I just learned this myself so im happy to explain.
The job requires basic tools: 5/8 socket, 9/16 wrench and socekt maybe a small extender, timing light ( not used until after reassembled ) a marker...etc
1.) Find TDC ( top dead center )
- Locate the timing mark on the harmonic balancer, and mark it with white out along the line (should be a slit)
- Pull # 1 spark plug with a deep socket
- Stuff some clean shop rag in the spark plug hole (not too far in, just enough to jam the hole tightly)
- Crank the engine in "bursts" until the rag "pops" out ( this should bring you near TDC)
- **** remove the negative terminal on the battery
- rotate the harmonic balancer with I think 9/16 socket, extender and ratcher until the timing mark on balancer lines up with the timing tab
- You should be at TDC now
2.) Remove the spark plug wires off the distributor cap
3.) Remove the distributor cap ( 4 spring loaded screws )
4.) Note the location of the rotor
- At this point I see where the rotor lined up with the cap by putting the cap back ontop the distributor base and noting wich terminal it hits at TDC.
5.) mark everything, rotor location, distributor base location, mark a line onto the manifold.
6.) remove hold down clamp with 9/16 wrench and remove distrbutor
7.) distributor rotor will rotate slightly as you pull the dist up. Just return the rotor to its original location and tape it in place. Store in a safe location. I would look down into the engine block and not the position of oil pump drive slot.
8.) Remove manifold, brackets, carb etc. Keep bolts labeled in plastic baggies. Dont lose the springs, cotter pins, etc.
9.) Remove old manifold gasket. Clean surface with razor blade and alcohol. A shop vac with the small snorkel works great. Make sure nothing significant falls in the block.
10.) Give the internals a visual inspection then let us know when youre ready to install....im tired
