Hei Distributor Fitment Issue

Hey, all. I just installed the CRT HEI distributor on my 225 odd-fire project and want to see if anyone else has run into the same issue. Let me preface this by saying that I think I've read through every post I could find related to ignition, timing, HEI upgrades, etc. (they were extremely instructive, BTW). I know opinions are split about the CRT HEI - some people love them/swear by them and others think they're trash. I bought mine about five years ago, and am just now getting it installed. The issue I'm running into is that the distributor won't seat all the way flush with the timing chain cover - there is about an 1/8" gap. (My timing chain cover is the reproduction from TA Performance since the original was worn out. Also, I already ground down the material on the front of the intake and installed a button head bolt for clearance.) I've tried reseating it multiple times and the result is always the same.

I am 100% confident the engine is TDC on the compression stroke, verified with the valve cover off, spark plug pulled, and both valves fully closed. I line up the slot in the oil pump, align the bottom of the shaft, stage the rotor appropriately before the #1 position, and when I drop it down in you can feel the gears engage (seems to fully engage) and the rotor advances to #1 position. It will not seat any further. The rotor is under tension and the shaft is obviously engaged. Any thoughts? The O-ring is just seated into the opening. I can tighten the hold down so it's tight but it's not level.

Not ready to fire the engine for the first time yet, but regardless, I'd feel better if I can make the #$%^! thing fit flush!

 

IDK, Might be as n issue with the new timing cover ?
I’m wondering if it originally had an early or a late type of Dauntless timing cover. So what year is this engine ?
Anyway I suggest you pull the distributor and measure from top of timing seat to top of the oil pump drive.
It should measure right at 3-9/16”
The distributor should measure about 3-15/16” to the bottom of the drive gear.

 

Thanks for the measurements, oldtime! I'll pull it tomorrow and double check them. The engine is from a 1970 Renegade. Far as I know, my engine rebuild was the first, but when I got it it wasn't in running condition. The old timing cover was very worn at the oil pump and at the end of the cam, but the main reason it needed replaced is that at some point it had cracked and a prior owner had sealed it on the inside with some epoxy. It held for a time apparently, but then disintegrated and was ingested into the engine. (Who could have seen that coming? LOL) I'll let you know what I find.

 

I'll still bet the slot for the oil pump drive isn't lined up. You've got to anticipate how much rotation the gear turns as it meshes in to make it slot in the oil pump shaft line up.
Do you still have a stock distributor to compare lengths with your aftermarket unit?
-Donny

 

Sometimes I install the distributor without the O ring......Just gives me a better feel how much gear rotation you need to get the oil pump shaft to line up. Once I get it to seat I remove and reinstall with the O ring.

Richard

 

I had a distrutor that would not go in all the way. Greased the o-ring and it slipped in.
When you get it close to being in, put the Jeep in gear and rock the Jeep back and forth or put a socket on the crank bolt and turn it a little and see if will drop down.

 

I had the same issue trying to install a DUI hei. The journal right above the O ring was .010-.012 over size and kept it from dropping the last 1/8".

 

Thanks, everyone for the input. Sorry it took so long to respond... holiday and all. So I removed the distributor and measured the shaft according to the specs oldtime provided and they were pretty much spot on (within ~ 1/32"). I tried removing the o-ring, realigning the oil pump slot, and with a bit of fiddling got it to seat all the way. Replaced the o-ring, lightly re-greased the journals, gear, and o-ring and this time it seated. Magic? Don't know, don't care. It's in and snug! Again, thanks for the ideas. Sights are now set on finishing the steering and wiring...