Okay- I am having an issue lining up rotor with #1 spark plug. With the front of the car being the 6 o'clock position. I can get the rotor to point at the 6 o'clock position or the 4 o'clock position. But not in between where I feel the #1 cylinder is located.

Any trick, I just don't want to be off a tooth or two.

BTW the #1 cylinder is at compression TDC.

d1

 

It'll run either way, so long as you put the #1 plug wire on that post, and continue in the right firing order. The reason you try to get the rotor to point in the right direction is so that the distributor has enough room to rotate in order to have enough swing to adjust the timing. If you can't get to your desired timing setting because the vacuum can bangs on something, then just relocate all the wires one space over and adjust again.

- Eric

 

Sounds good, I will give that a try. Thanks

 

The oil pump drive shaft could be screwing you up here...

 

Good point!

Turn the oil pump shaft about 15° with a socket on a long extension, try distributor again, then repeat.

- Eric

 

Ok , Im no mechanic but about to do the same install today... At #1 TDC dont you line the rotor up with the position the #1 spark plug wire on the cap and not towards the actual cylinder? Or am I confused on how your explaining it?
I appreciate the explanation cause I honestly dont know...

 

Yes, with the #1 terminal post.

- Eric

 

A big thank you!

 

Distributor according to the manual should fit in like in the pic.

 

I'm no mechanic either, but TDC on number 1 cylinder (or any cylinder for that matter) happens twice on a 4 stroke motor, once on the power stroke and again on the exhaust stroke. So you have a 50-50 chance of getting the dist. in "180 degrees out", meaning that it will fire the cylinder on the exhaust stroke. And if your luck is anything like mine, you NEVER win a bet with a 50-50 chance.

My further recollection, not that it would do you much good with the timing cover on, is when you like up the dots on the cam and crank gears (at 6 and 12 o-clock, respectively), that is when #1 is at TDC on the exhaust stroke. My guess is a lot of guys putting a motor together will end up 180 degrees out on the first try.

So if the problem is that you're 180 degrees out, you can always turn her over again and try again...

ON EDIT: HEY! Of course I just read the original post over and see you ARE at TDC on compression stroke. So, um, nevermind. That is, if you're sure.

 

You can tell you're on compression by holding your finger firmly over the spark plug hole as you pull the wrench around - you'll feel some pressure. Easier than taking the valve cover off and looking at the rockers.

- Eric

 

Nice pic, I must have missed that. I really need the book, the CD is great but I always seem to miss something, that I normally would book mark.


Now you got me doubting myself. I am fortunate enough to have the valve covers off and the rockers are loose so I am pretty sure I am on the compression stroke. But thanks for the info.

d1

 

installed msd distributor will not start backfires can anyone help.?

 

Did you check your timing?

- Eric

 

You did do the timing counter clock wise correct? Olds distributors rotate the other direction. It will pop up through the carb etc if you put the wires on clockwise.

 

Need more info???? Does it try and run, runs like crap, is it 180 out, wired right, was points before....?

 

it tries to run brought a new compression tester today .one question is TDC on the exhaust or compression stroke? i have done this before on my 1966 cutlass did not have this much trouble.

 

TDC is on the compression stroke

 

[QUOTE=MDchanic;321281]Did you check your timing?

yes .it tries to run but does not catch .checked wiring today .its ok put old distributor back in, same thing happens .I guess Iam doing something wrong. could it be the spark plugs?

 

Thanks a lot .any suggjestions?

 

yes they are counter clock wise .car ran fine before new msd 8529 distributor.