MSD 8573 Flathead Ford Ready to Run Distributor for '49-'53 Installation - Manual (Page 5)

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 5
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• W W W . M S D P E R F O R M A N C E . C O M • ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • F A X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4
1. Remove the existing distributor cap without
disconnecting any of the spark plug wires.
2. With the cap off, crank the engine until the rotor
is aimed at a fixed point on the engine or firewall.
Note this position by making a mark (Figure 8).
3. Place the distributor cap back on and note which
plug wire the rotor is pointing to. MARK THE
SPARK PLUG WIRES and remove the distributor
cap.
4. Disconnect the wiring from the distributor.
5. Loosen the distributor hold down clamp and slide
the clamp out of the way.
6. Lift the distributor out of the engine. Note that
the rotor rotates as you lift the distributor out.
This is due to the helical cut gear and should be
taken into consideration when installing the new
distributor.
Figure 8 Marking the Rotor Location.
REMOVNG THE DISTRIBUTOR
ADJUSTING THE COLLAR
1. Install the Gear-Setting spacer onto the shaft and use the set screw
to hold it in place (Figure 9). Also install the distributor gasket.
2. Use a 3/26" Allen Wrench to loosen the locking screw on the
Adjustable Hold Down Clamp (Figure 10).
3. Set the distributor into the engine block and allow the Gear-Setting
spacer to rest on the cam gear.
4. Once the distributor is in place, position the Adjustable Hold
Down Clamp in place on
the housing and tighten the
locking screw.
5. A f t e r t i g h t e n i n g t h e
Adjustable Hold Down
Clamp, pull the distributor
out of the engine.
6. Remove the Gear-Setting
spacer from the shaft and
install the gear with the
supplied roll pin.
Figure 9 Adjusting the Gear Setting. Figure 10 Adjusting the Hold
Down Clamp.
INSTALLATION
1. Apply a liberal amount of the supplied lubricant to the distributor gear.
2. Install the distributor making sure that the rotor comes to rest pointing at the fixed mark.
3. Position and tighten the hold down clamp onto the distributor.
4. Install the distributor cap and spark plug wires one at a time to ensure correct location. A wire
retainer is supplied to secrure the wires in place. Align the mounting bosses and use the supplied
1.5" self-tapping Phillips screws to hold the retainer in place.
5. Page 8 shows how to set the rev limiter and connect the tachometer.