I recently did some clean up projects on my 57 Oldsmobile 371 CU.
Mostly leak issues but also pulled the distributor to check it out. I noted the rotor position and didn't move anything motor wise while I had the distributor out. I cleaned the gum out of it but didn't disassemble it since the parts looked fairly new. When I put it back in the motor it slipped back into what seamed to be the exact location. Before I found the choke baffle plate issue I tried to start it and found that it was very reluctant to fire and seamed like it was just on the verge of starting and one time did start but chugged and sputtered until it stalled. I checked the firing order on the plugs and that all seams fine. Could this just be due to a cold motor and choke issue or is my timing out due to pulling the distributor? Anything I should look at while I wait for the choke baffle plate to come in?

Mark

 

Your timing is probably is probably out as the position of the housing has changed. Another possibility is if you have points you might have disturbed them and changed the dwell which will also affect timing.

 

I cleaned the points with contact cleaner and let dry. No scrubbing that should have moved anything. This is pretty new to me as I'm not used to working on these…all time and patience right?
I will look into my service manual to check that out. Any tips to doing this?

Mark

 

You'll have to start from scratch with this one.

Verify spark, dwell angle, and timing settings, as well as firing order and wires, and go from there.

- Eric

 

#1 cylinder to Top Dead Center (compression stroke) TDC. Rotor should be pointed directly at ignition wire #1 going to that cylinder. Distributor should have movement in both directions equally (for timing) Set rotor as close as you can to #1 wire by marking somewhere on engine the exact center position of the rotor, so once the cap is on and can no longer see the rotor, you can adjust the caps position (advance or retard) right where the rotor is. Put it back together, car should run (even if it runs rough) then set timing.

 

Thanks guys, I will check to see if TDC has the rotor lined up with plug 1.
I will also check to see what I can do with the dwell, I believe the manual describes that procedure.

Mark

 

Just to follow up I verified the rotor location as being in position at #1 plug on compression TDC. Also double checked all of the plug wires for sequence.
I put the choke back together and set the thermostat spring for the proper opening on a cold choke. Pumped the pedal once and it started fine. I will need to get my hands on a timing light to verify but seams to be idling quite well. Cant get her out for a road test until I get her all together.

Thanks for all the advice

Mark

 

Well done.

 

Back to basics always does the trick.

Glad you fixed it!

- Eric

 

You also need to be in the right frame of mind as well. When I was working on it I was trying to get it done before I had to go out…and do something I really didn't want to do…so in my haste I ignored the basics expecting the answer to jump right out at me. Also limited skill set/ knowledge has an influence on the situation as well.

Mark