Steve,
Regarding the distributor drive shaft, just be aware as you are removing the
distributor whether the shaft is coming out too. If it is, then grab hold of
it immediately and don't let it fall back into the hole. You can reinstall
it later without removing the pan as long as it doesn't fall back in.
Regarding the distributor position, the correct position is with the vacuum
advance on the driver's side of the engine facing almost directly forward.
The distributor cap may have the number one cylinder marked. Whether marked
or not, make the #1 cylinder the rearmost position with the vacuum advance
pointed straight ahead, which will make #3 in the front. If you were putting
the same distributor back in, then the marks would still line up for proper
advance even if you changed the plug wire locations. However, this will
probably not be precisely the case if you are replacing the distributor
body. That's why a timing light should be in everyone's tool kit. Plus, the
fact that you are going to a vacuum advance will almost certainly require
you to change initial timing.
Bob
|