I had to do that on a "SCRUB" engine I used to have where the distributor was next to impossible to get reinstalled.  Took me 2 hours one time...Well, it ran like garbage for a few weeks until I was introduced to the concept of "Total Timing."  I SHOULD have had around 32-36 degrees (if I recall) but I only had about 22...  Simple enough, I'll just spin this thingy here....BUMP- straight into the intake runner.  

360 degrees in the Distributor's circle, divided by 8 is 45 degrees- so you're going to want to spin the dizzy 45 degrees in the opposite direction (evidently the only direction yours will move), then move each wire one spot in the direction these folks said (it's been a while since I timed mine so I forget which way to spin it) to get to the point where it will run...then 

If it's the Mallory with the two piece cap, it may be easier to move the whole distributor. 


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Not you. Known issue with the site. Images cannot be processed. Been quite a while now.


1936 Ford 3W Coupe : 56 T-Bird 312, 47 Packard 3 speed, 40 juice brakes.
1968 Merc Cyclone FB GT 390, Getting a better front clip!
1977 Ford F-250 Supercab RWD Explorer Long box.
1976 Chev Camaro RS LT
Future rebuild : 1949 Ford F-1

I’m having trouble load photos here too…I get a please wait….

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

Sorry photo won’t load. It’s behind the condenser 

Dan,
It this  protrusion (red flush red bolt) that gets in the way.

Dan,
It this  protrusion (red flush red bolt) that gets in the way.

I have a late 50s Mallory I plan to install before long, and this thread reminds me to be sure to position the body with enough clearance slack, so as to thus allow adequate future timing adjustment.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

Moving the wires in the same direction you are trying to turn it will help but it is a large change in degrees. It might be too much which is why going with the tooth change works better. (and that will be the opposite direction)
Easy to do the wires so no harm in trying.


1936 Ford 3W Coupe : 56 T-Bird 312, 47 Packard 3 speed, 40 juice brakes.
1968 Merc Cyclone FB GT 390, Getting a better front clip!
1977 Ford F-250 Supercab RWD Explorer Long box.
1976 Chev Camaro RS LT
Future rebuild : 1949 Ford F-1

I didn’t want to remove distributor figuring clocking the wires do the same thing but not sure which direction clockwise or counterclockwise to move the wires one hole.