Correct 308 GT4 Distributor Installation

Friends,

I searched the archives and my own e-mails and talked to several knowledgable people but hoping for a consensus after getting conflicting advice. The WSM has some contradictory information which i think I understand but still confused a bit.

I have an early 308 GT4 and am running standard ignition, twin distributors S 159 B units with R1 points only, and if I am correct I install my rear distributor at AF 7° PM1-4, and the front one at AF 7° PM5-8 with the rotor pointing to the mark on the distributor body? What is confusing is I reread my old Ferrari list notes and several of the knowledgeable listers there suggested I set them directly at PM1-4 & PM 5-8 respectively as well as in other threads on Fchat. I am not sure what I did at the time but must have followed their advice and my notes do not specify which initial timing method I used. Anyway I installed them as it says in the manual but instead of the 6° mark on the assembly page I installed them at the 7° mark as that is what is on my flywheel?

Since this is so simple I want to get it right. As most of you know I am at the end of a long major service and want to get this as close as I can. It is relatively easy to remove the distributors but somewhat awkward and would like to start the car in as close as possible correct timing as I need to sync the carbs

Thanks in advance for any and all advice,

Rob
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6 or 7 degrees is good. One degree is not going to make a huge difference. The important thing is to set the static timing (not dynamic timing) before you fire it up. Then do your dynamic timing, and tune your carbs.

 

If I recall correctly (and someone please correct me if I am wrong, as I might be), it doesnt matter whether you put the timing mark on PM 1-4 or AF 7 degrees, the distributor fits on the same (and only one) spline position on the shaft.

Yes, the rotor should line up with the mark on the distributor, but on my car the wires in the caps were off 180 degrees, so ALSO make sure the rotor is pointed to the #1 cylinder wire as well as you see it from the distributor cap.

Geno

 

See this good thread on the topic of # of shaft splines, and setting static timing (courtesy of Steve Magnusson, thank you Steve).

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=265346&highlight=distributor

 

Thanks to all and yes Steve is the greatest. Normally I would not stress this but after so much trauma with this service I want to get it right. I cant believe that I did not write this down.

 

Your engine is looking very tidy- hope all goes well with firing her up!

 

Thanks for the info guys, I think I might have mounted the distributors at PM1-4 & 5-8 last time! At least I have it better documented this time. I did not see that thread distributor thread! And Jeff, I take that as a compliment from someone who I know just did a bunch of work on his engine!

Rob

 

Yes, it certainly is a compliment, from one who knows what it's like spending hours in the rear wheel wells, and leaning awkwardly into the engine compartment!

I will say this about distributor timing. I had both mine set up well, but had to take them both back out to tackle oil leaks from each.

When I put them back in the second time, one rotor was inadvertently off at least one spline. The car still started and ran, but I couldn't get the TDC 7 degree mark to show with the timing light at all. So I finally figured out what was going on, eased the distributor out some, turned the rotor to the next spline, and was able to get it timed just fine.

Good luck, and remember, this is fun! Jeff