Distributors for Crusader 454XL?

[Tarpley3]

I've got a 1995 370 Voyager with twin 454XL. The starboard HEI Ignition Module went bad and was replaced. The Cap and rotor were also worn, I had the spare parts so I replaced them as well. The distributor looks very old with signs of corrosion. I'd like to replace the distributors in both engines. Manual says Port is LH and Starboard is RH rotation. I've got Borg Warner transmissions. All I can find on-line is LH distributors (Sierra 18-5484-1 and similar). Will LH work in both engines?? Don't I need a distributor with a reverse gear for the STBD (RH) engine?

Thanks

[bud37]

I believe they drive the cam in the reverse engine with a gear....therefore the cam rotation is the same as the other engine which is chain driven........If you want, just pop the cap and watch the rotor turn as you hit the starter, or look at the firing order....should be the same distributor rotation for both, maybe that is why you can only find one part number.

At least that is the way it was. Really though maybe just a good cleaning and some new bits in there.

[Tarpley3]

According to the manual the firing order is different for each engine. But I'll check the rotor direction.
Thanks

[km1125]

Knowing the firing order you can also trace the spark plug wires back to the cap to determine which way to distributor rotates.

[Viper]

Usually the distributors on standard and counter rotators turn in the same direction. Firing orders are different though. The drive and driven gears are cut in the opposite directions for standard and counter rotators. In the past, distributor manufacturers either made a "counter rotating" distributor or sold the counter rotating gear separately to replace the standard one. The manufacturer should be able to help you out.

[Tarpley3]

Thanks. I'll let you know how it turns out.