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Swapping out distributors 444-544 1962

posted by  phkarns on  Tue Nov 24 21:28 CST 2020
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After a recent breakdown and troubleshooting episode, I found out my problem was (mainly) electrical.
I took the distributor apart and cleaned/lubed it and it runs great now, but the ordeal got me thinking - it would be nice to have a spare distributor on hand. I found a good one with its own flange, so in theory I should now be able to swap out distributors anywhere I need to with a minimum of drama, but now that I’ve got the 2nd one cleaned up with new points, etc. in place, I’m trying to visualize exactly what steps I need to do to get the spare distributor set up so it is ready to go.
As I’m seeing it, I have to remove my existing distributor, crank the engine by hand to get it around to cylinder #1 at TDC, then set the timing “from scratch” using the spare distributor, but then I will be able to swap between the two units and the timing should be at least close, just by rotating the shaft until it drops in place, right?








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    Swapping out distributors 444-544 1962

    posted by  Ron Kwas on  Wed Nov 25 07:15 CST 2020
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    Phil;

    Once properly refurbed and lubed, you can expect the fitted Distributor to give good service, and (again) for a long time...but it certainly can't hurt to go through the back-up while the process is fresh in your mind. Some guys say they keep a back-up Distrib in the on-board spares, but knowing that I can sort just about anything which might happen (not to brag!) but I'd never think of it!

    As far as installing it...it is a bit different from B16 to B18...not the least of which is the direction of rotation, but I have documented the process of Static Timing for a B18 which you can surely adapt for use with a B16 if that is your situation (including swapping the Distr): https://www.sw-em.com/Volvo%20Ignition%20from%20Scratch.htm#Static%20Timing

    Cheers








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      Swapping out distributors 444-544 1962

      posted by  phkarns on  Wed Nov 25 13:33 CST 2020
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      Ron, it’s a B18, and rest assured I’ve referenced your site for guidance, and it’s been a great help, but I just had to think through the process for how to have this back-up unit on-board and roughly timed, ready to drop in by just removing 2 bolts, vs. going through the complete timing process while on the side of the road. Of course now it will never happen and I will probably never need it, but I got it (Like insurance, and I work in that industry)!
      I think that in the process of typing my question I sort of answered it, but thought I’d go ahead and toss it out there anyway!








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        Swapping out distributors 444-544 1962

        posted by  derek uk on  Wed Nov 25 16:10 CST 2020
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        If you have a spare clamp you can put that on your second distributor. Eyeball it so it's physically in the same position as the one you have on the engine. The notch in the rim should match the position of the one on the car and that will position it within a degree or so of that one. When you pull the original one, doesn't matter how the rotor is positioned you can just insert it so the offset drive drops in to the same position. With the clamp adjusted and tightened the single attachment bolt will position it correctly. Adjust clamp if needed. Run engine with the second one fitted and check timing. Should be close but you may need to slacken off the clamp for a minor adjustment. Maybe run that for a while to prove it. Keep it in or swap back to the previous one. That takes longer to write than to do the swap.








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          Swapping out distributors 444-544 1962

          posted by  phkarns on  Wed Nov 25 16:50 CST 2020
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          Now I get it! I was making it more difficult than it really is as I tried to think the process through...
          I think this new distributor has very few miles on it because the Bosch data plate is sharp with all the blue paint still intact, and it just feels nice and “crisp” - not as much “play” as my old one has in it. Also the vacuum advance canister is nice and shiny.
          I’m thinking this needs to be the my primary unit, and my current one will go in the trunk in case of emergency.







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