Removing Protec & Throttlebody, installing carb

I am installing the distributor, after removing the old wiring harness, and am stuck on how to find TDC when I dont actually have a distributor currently installed (the ProTec ignition is almost all uninstalled, but the instructions on the new (Nautique Parts) instructions for moving from Protec to Distributor says to set engine to TDC.  

Do you have a strategy to do so without removing the valve cover to look at the valves? 

Thanks!  Erik

What's that old saying about "close is only good enough in horseshoes and hand grenades" ?

TRBenj wrote: One usually lines up the TDC mark (0°) on the balancer with the timing pointer. As Pete implied, you’ll want to set it to TDC on the compression stroke, which can be found as he describes (plus lining up the aforementioned timing marks). Dammit KenO

You must be swapping to a carburetor with their kit too?

From another thread, it sounds like you're having issues with the retro fit kit wiring and the instructions.

Erik,

And this probably came with the kit, but if not, it's how the Mallory MBI distributor in your kit is wired

Thank TRBenj for the wiring diagram, I just modified it a little to show how the wires hook together inside the harness.   In your case it makes things easier.

This definitely didn’t come with my kit. Wish it did.

Thanks for this. I’ll be working on it tomorrow.

I installed the carburetor yesterday, but getting the new mechanical fuel pump in is a real chore. Since there is pressure on the lever, even after turning the engine to a position where it was at its minimal pressure, in order to line up the bolt holes, it’s one heck of a feat to get. Any advice? I thought about studs and nuts as the studs can be in first which could help with alignment.

Or have I not turned the engine enough to get to a location where the lever on the manual fuel pump is not under pressure?

Also, does anyone have a picture of the return fuel line / top of engine? I don’t know where the return fuel line (to tank) now attaches.

Thanks again! Erik

Erikgundy98 wrote: Also, does anyone have a picture of the return fuel line / top of engine? I don’t know where the return fuel line (to tank) now attaches. Thanks again! Erik

Sorry, yes I see how to connect the fuel line into the carb from the new mechanical fuel pump, but on the throttle body, the fuel in, and return line to the fuel tank were right next to each other (formed hard lines). I know the line from the old fuel pump is now to be removed, but not sure what to do about that 2nd line.

Assuming both old hard lines get deleted, but where on the carb (if at all) does a 2nd line (return line I assume) get connected?

I notice on fuel injected cars, I have this return fuel line to the tank. But in a different life (before kids), on my old vw’s Pict 34 carburetor (70 Ghia, 71 westy, 74 bug) I don’t remember the presence of this return line.

How does the throttlebody to carb conversion deal with this?

Thank you again for your advice, knowledge, and insight!

I used a carb sealing plate and good quality gaskets. No gasket sealer for me.

KENO wrote: Here's a picture of a Carter marine fuel pump and a Holley carburetor. Along with hooking up whatever you decide to use for a fuel line from the pump to the carburetor, you also should be running a piece of clear tubing between the nipple on the fuel pump and the nipple on the carburetor. In the picture they both have a Red cap to show where they are. That line is so that if your fuel pump diaphragm cracks and fails, fuel will be visible in that line and it will be dumping into the carburetor instead of the bilge. It'll make the engine run like crap or stall due to being flooded, but it's safer than blowing yourself up. Older Holley's don't have that nipple and you run the hose to a nipple like that on the flame arrestor. Your flame arrestor on a ProTec engine doesn't have that nipple but one can be added or you can get another flame arrestor with the nipple fitting. Not knowing what your Holley has, I figured I'd throw that info out there. If you have any questions about the fuel line between the pump discharge and the carburetor, just ask away, there are choices .

Thanks! I have these, and so thanks a lot for the image! I will use the clear line provided with my kit so this is really helpful.

I wasn’t a member here before the problems with images, but I imagine there were a lot lost, as I don’t think I have seen this image before nor as many pictures as I would imagine have been posted. Thanks for the help.

Finishing up some other work then heading out to do this!

Erik

My ultra keen powers of perception tell me that you probably bought the whole enchilada from Nautiqueparts