Slant six distributor identification. Where's the p/n?

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cruiser

cruiser

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Does anyone know how to identify the distributor in my slant six? I think it may be the wrong one installed in my motor, but I'm not sure where to find the part number on the distributor. My factory parts manual says that the correct p/n is 3755042. Where would I find this number on my (greasy and oil covered) distributor? The engine runs fine, but the distributor seems to be turned about 20 degrees counterclockwise from the normal orientation. The timing is 10 degrees before and it runs good that way. The engine was replaced a long time ago, and they may have installed the wrong distributor back then. Ideas? Thanks.
 
Reach out to Haifaxhops, he is THE Mopar distributor guy.
 
Probably just not indexed correctly. They dropped it in and moved the wires to get timing right. Not unusual. Im sure all slant distributor housings are the same, other than points/electronic and timing curves.
 
I think the part number was on a metal tag. If that tag is missing, so is the part number. I THINK. I could be wrong.

Slant sixes are VERY picky regarding getting the distributor stabbed in just right. It takes some patience.
 
If it's running good I wouldn't mess with it. Remember, there is another slot on the back side of the distributor that allows some adjustment too.
 
crystal-ball-fortune-teller.jpg
OK I need 225 or 170, what carb and transmission. And what number is on the distributor now?
 
halifaxhops said:
View attachment 1715645642 OK I need 225 or 170, what carb and transmission. And what number is on the distributor now?
Click to expand...
Hi, it's cruiser. Thanks for the help with my sparker. Here's what I know. I've confirmed that this is the correct distributor for my 1974 Duster slant six, built in October of 1973. The tag on my distributor shows part number 3755042, dated 35 3. According to my factory parts manual, this is the correct part number. I have a Holley 1945 carb and the original A-904 auto tranny. The original engine was replaced in 1988 with a 1974 225 block. They transferred the original distributor to the new short block. However, the distributor seems to be about 20 degrees counterclockwise from its correct orientation. Engine runs well at 10 degrees before advance. Is it possible that the distributor has been installed incorrectly into the motor? If so, how can it run like this? Thanks - cruiser
 
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Get motor to TDC by looking at the rotor to the #1 terminal and using a piston stop. Pull distributor and note the way the distributor turns when coming out. You must compensate for this when you drop it in, usually about 20 degrees off TDC. While you have the distributor out the back adjustment can be centered or wherever you think it needs to be. Now when it drops in and follows the camshaft gear, it should be right at #1 terminal. now you can turn the distributor to -10 or wherever the 74 FSM says it should be.
 
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Also other issues which MAY NOT be relevant

It's possible the timing chain slipped "a tooth" and that will cause it to "want to run" way off time

Otherwise read Pishta's reply above, and know that there are TWO bolts on the clamp. One is upside down up into the distributor, and the other is from the clamp strap down into the block. These two together give you more movement. It's very possible a mechanic replaced the dist or something else and never got it indexed "correctly."

"Correct" is a relative word. If you have enough dist. body "swing" to properly set timing, and nothing interferes....like the vacuum can hitting the block or fender, it will run fine

Also, if it was replaced with A TYPICAL REBUILT, someone likely left the tag on the "core" and the tag would no longer be relevant anyhow, because rebuilders are 'sloppy' in their "correct one" for replacement.
 
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