Chrysler M318 1979 - distributor re-assembly

rshelly · Post by **rshelly** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:55 pm

While cleaning my distributors - they were rusty - after total dis-assembly of the above motor portion of the distributor, cleaning/polishing all of the pieces parts and re-assembly not sure if I re-assembled correctly - seemed to run alright at dock but I am fearful I may have re-assembled pcs. 180 degrees off and it won't show up until running under load... QUESTION...if mis-assembled, is it possible for the motor to idle and rev it up, not under load, without mis-firing? I have a shop manual but it doesn't give a parts blow-up for the distributor - anyone have a schematic - parts blow-up, this is my first boat with inboard motors and have been working all winter to get ready for spring. I guess a timing light would confirm correct assembly? thanks for any input!!!

wvernie · Post by **wvernie** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 9:09 pm

I have a 1976 Trojan and need to change the cutlass bearing. Does anyone know how to get it out without taking the shaft out?

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 10:14 pm

rshelly,
is it was off 180 deg. it would not run you do need to check the timing , when checking the timming it would be a good time to check the advance .

wvernie,
I have seen tools to remove the cutlass , may be custom made . The way I do it is to remove the strut and use a press . I have used a vise and a punch to remove them ,sometimes they need to be cut out ( again strut off boat ) make sure the shaft is supported with the strut removed .

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:40 am

Here are two breakdowns. The first w/points, the next w/electronic ignition.

As mentioned, your engine would not run if it were timed 180 out. The firing order for normal rotation is 18436572 and 12756348 for reverse rotation. You will need to find TDC at # 1 cylinder then install distributor with the rotor pointing close to the # 1 terminal on the distributor cap. When installing the distributor, the bevel gears will cause to rotor to move about 30 degrees, so take your time and get it close, then you will need to set the timing. If you have points, you will need to adjust them first. If you need more info, ask.

Dan Faith · Post by **Dan Faith** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 12:42 pm

I'm not certain on a Chyrsler but in my experience with Chevy's it is possible to put the shaft in 180 degrees out. Then if the plug wires are put in 180 degrees also the engine will run fine but the oil holes in the distrubutor that feeds the cam shaft will not oil properly. Check to insure the oil holes in the main distributor are properly aligned with the oil galley. If the engine has not been moved it will align with the oil pump and you should be OK.

rshelly · Post by **rshelly** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:11 pm

I plan to re-set the timing once I install the 2 4bl carbs I rebuilt this winter. Being new to twin inboards I was confused about the firing order being different on the two blocks and thought I was missing something - thanks for clearing that up! this is a great fowum and group - all of my posts have resulted in great feedback that has been a big help. Its like reading the instructions befor opening and trying to assemble the kids new toy! don't tell my better half!

Trojan Boat Forum

Chrysler M318 1979 - distributor re-assembly

Chrysler M318 1979 - distributor re-assembly

Cutlass

Thanks for all of the great info.