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[68bostang]

I am not having any luck installing the distributor on my '59 TR3. The distributor pedestal will not sit down onto the engine block. I have even tried it without the drive gear or distributor installed. I have tried two different pedestals and experienced the same problem. It is my understanding that it will have to be shimmed to get the proper .005" clearance, but doesn't it need to start with being flush to the block? It sits up about 3/8". Because it sits up so high the distributor barley engages with the drive gear. Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks Dean in Ohio

[TR3driver]

That is definitely not normal.  With the gear removed, the pedestal should sit down on the block even without any shims.  Can you see what is holding it up?  Could you have the wrong pedestal?

A photo might help with diagnosis.

[bobhustead]

The end of the distributor shaft is spatulate and engages a slot in the top of the oil pump shaft. The pump slot has to be lined up to receive the dist shaft. You can turn the oil pump with a long screw driver. May take a couple tries.
Bob Hustead