Trigger contacts removal without removing distributor..posiible?

[body_infinity]

Hi all as im working on my starting problems was thinking of cleaning the trigger points contacts on the 280se 3.5 v8..but did not want to remove the whole distributor for one screw, has anyone done this without removing the distributor? Would it cause any probs? There is one flat head screw near the block but it just may be able to be removed I think??
Or is there a step by step guide as the manual I have is useless ;-(
I have read other posts re the removal of the distributor and have said its easy but I have had probs in the past..and as the timing is good etc I don’t want to have to re-set this..any help greatly appreciated.
Cheers
B-I

[GaryF]

I dont think there is enough room to slide the trigger points out with the distributor in place, also the trigger points are mounted on a fork which needs to be located properly when they are put back in. Doing this in car would be difficult. It's only one bolt to remove the distributor and setting the timing again is a few minutes of effort. If you set the crank to TDC before starting and mark the position of the distributor against the block then you'll have the timing close enough to start it and set the timing accuractely.

[body_infinity]

Originally Posted by GaryF

I dont think there is enough room to slide the trigger points out with the distributor in place, also the trigger points are mounted on a fork which needs to be located properly when they are put back in. Doing this in car would be difficult. It's only one bolt to remove the distributor and setting the timing again is a few minutes of effort. If you set the crank to TDC before starting and mark the position of the distributor against the block then you'll have the timing close enough to start it and set the timing accuractely.

Ok thanks....the one bolt is that the bolt just under the cap with markings?..also re the #1 cylinder i couldnt see where this is, is it the first cylinder on the right? also re timing 5*ATDC?? cheers

[GaryF]

Hi,

Yes, its an allen bolt which is normally loosened to adjust the timing. Remove it completely and unplug the wiring for the trigger points not at the distributor but at the connector mounted infront of the air filter and the distributor will just lift off. Not sure what the timing is for your year but maybe check the timing before you start and just set it back to that value if your sure its correct.
Yes #1 cylinder is on the right nearest the front of the car but you'll see TDC marked on the distributor with a small notch so use this to set the crank position.
While your setting the timing you might also want to check the dwell if you have access to a meter.

Good luck.