Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

notoptoy wrote: Sat Aug 07, 2021 4:52 pm Yes, the dizzie will line up an a multitude of spots, you'll just have to turn the oil pump slot to match where you are relocating the gear. IF you move from 11:30 to say 11:00 or otherwise, you will then have to move the pump slot to align so you can drop the dizzie in. This is a time consuming and often frustrating procedure the first few times, but you'll figure it out!

Correct, the oil pump drive is not offset, so there is no 180 degree issue. Sounds like the drive gear needs to go one tooth clockwise (retards the rotor).

Another possibility is you distributor mechanical advance is broken and operating at max advance for all rpms. That can happen if a spring breaks etc. Seen that plenty of times.

Most likely the gear is off one tooth.

notoptoy wrote: Sat Aug 07, 2021 4:52 pm Yes, the dizzie will line up an a multitude of spots, you'll just have to turn the oil pump slot to match where you are relocating the gear. IF you move from 11:30 to say 11:00 or otherwise, you will then have to move the pump slot to align so you can drop the dizzie in. This is a time consuming and often frustrating procedure the first few times, but you'll figure it out!

+1 on Notoptoy's comment.....I had to make NUMEROUS attempts to get that "drop in gear" to hit that slot where I thought I needed it to go. Once I managed to do that....everything has been fine for the last 8,000 miles. I will offer my opinion,...others may agree or disagree.....but on MY car, I found that "drop-in" gear uses a LOT of twist.

My final thought was that, I had to align the slot, and drop in that gear in a way, that I actually perceived that it was NOT in the right position for it to finally work....it was a hassle, but hopefully, Notoptoy's, and my opinion, will save you from a lot of trial and error. I believe if your problems are a result of this gear's position issue, you will get this sorted. Good Luck !
Mike

Put the engine at TDC on the pulley. Turn you oil pump slot until you think it will accept the gear's spade when the gear is installed properly (11:25 for the gear slot, may not be the same for the pump slot)) taking into account the rotation that is required. Try to install the gear, noting how much it rotates (you know the look and feel of the gear being meshed and goes all the way in). If it's off or won't go in, adjust the pump slot and try again. You just have to keep after it until it goes.

Success! Thanks all for the support and suggestions. It was in fact 1 tooth off but what a struggle it was to get it to drop in. It’s at more like 12:30 now and alls well. 2 days ago I seated the rings with Delo diesel oil (has zinc) and after setting the timing to 15’ for now took it about town for a drive. I ended up getting a set of Perfect Circle rings (MAHLE now) and they do look to be a step above Hastings. No leaks no ping, and no smoke! ! I’ll still have to dial in the Carbs but that’s it.

Woo Hoo! Every challenge is a learning opportunity, even when you don't want it to be! My car has taught me a lot... still is. Go bask in your success!

I've had it in the wrong tooth a few times after a rebuild, not a 311 it starts but has trouble making it out of the garage but usually twice the car ( I t lite it but sometimes move it out for a different car first ) wieght so I knew it was way off , guess yours was retarded enough to run .

In 89 I put a new fiber cam gear on a Volvo 142
Then found the distributer was Siezed Louise
The only way to free it was to r&r the oil pan and beat the distr.out destroying it ( @the dealer level ) it was NA
It did drive ,it had the tube timing check system
And we didn't have it on this 1974 ? car .
I was concerned because it thru you back in the seat on Accel from a stop , like jet fighter adding take off power , the service writer didn't want to do any more , I knew it was a woman's car I told him you have to show the owner this , ya ya he said ..Monday coming to work there's a perfect 8 cylinder block broke out of the outside wall ...them I see the 142 smashed badly in in the front ...she couldn't take the torque luckily she was okay

Redroadster, Mine was actually advanced and I freaked out after the initial 20 min of ring seating to find it pinged! Fortunately, with no load on it I think the engines ok. Worst fears were going thru my mind… did I detonate the rings again! My reason for top end rebuild was that I cracked all 4 top comp rings. I made sure all ring gaps were good too. So far car has good power and no blowby.
Greg, I did learn something though as I thought the drop in gear would only hook up in 1 of 2 positions and I was fearing having to pull the Timing cover to redo. Truly Love this forum thanks to all you guys, gal.
On another note, I just became a new owner custodian today of a 2005 Lotus Elise! Another sub 2K lb car with another level of pure driving joy!

Yes I know ,you had ithe distr.retarded enough to run .
Many engine techs dis able the vac advance to break it in
Good luck with it on a heavy loaded car it can hurt it quick