Distributor coupling

Somehow, when I tore down my SM-TA to repair the cam gear, the distributor got out of time. All the appropriate punch marks on the timing gears line up. But when cyl #1 is @ TDC of the compression stroke, the distributor is past firing #1. Maybe 30 degrees past. The manual says the drive coupling can just be pulled out to re-allign in the appropriate place, but mine won't pull apart. Not easily anyhow. Don't wanna go reefing on it.

Any suggestions? Can I just take it apart in the middle without any ill effects?

Thanks for the good advice.

Ben

(Formerly known as Cub n M in Or)

Usually the shaft will fall out, you can try pulling it apart.

First, remove the # 1 spark plug and put your big thumb over the hole. With the ignition off, crank the engine slowly as you feel for the compression piston stroke. The pressure will push your thumb from the hole. As soon as you feel the pressure pushing against your thumb stop and locate the timing pin and timing mark on the left front side of the tractor by the engine crankshaft pulley. You should see two notches on the crankshaft pulley. Continue rotating the engine slowly by hand until the fixed pointed timing pin lines up exactly with the second mark on the pulley in the rotational direction that the pulley normally rotates, which is top dead center. You now have the number one cylinder on top dead center. Now, note on the inside of the distributor cap where the number one post is located. The outside of the cap usually has the number 1 stamped next to the number 1 socket. With the disributor pulled out of the tractor, put the rotor on the center shaft of the distributor and turn the rotor so the rotor point lines up with the inner number one post. Note that the gear drive on the distributor is cut on an angle so it will turn some as it is inserted into the tractor as it mates with the inner gear. Therefore, you have to compensate for this twist by starting out with the rotor slightly away from the post so when the distributor is pushed all the way in to its mount the rotor will be lined up with the number 1 inner post of the cap. Now, properly connect a timing light to the number one distributor cap socket and turn on the ignition switch. Turn the mounted distributor slightly and very slowly one way and the other in its socket until the timing light flashes. Without moving the distributor, tighten the distributor holding tangs down and your engine should now be properly timed. Rather than a timing light you can also use a volt ohm meter by checking for voltage at the wire post on the distributor. When the VOM drops to zero as you turn the distributor, you are properly timed.

Re-read your post. If you can't get the distributor out, make sure that both hold down tangs have been removed. There are TWO, on opposite sides of the distributor shaft. One is easy to see since it faces you and the other is on the backside.