So heres my question: Which way should I insall the distributor/rotor if I have no reference marks for where the original Ford distributor was installed? Does it matter where it is as long as the rotor points to the #1 plug wire? Any help is appreciated. Thanks

Bill

 

Point to #1 plug wire at TDC on Compression Cycle and you should be good.

 

yeah, it doesnt really matter where the housing is if your timing marks are right and your rotor and cap line up

 

I think I figured out my problem. I don't think I was on the compression stroke when I tried to set timing initially.

 

OK so, I installed the distributor with the motor at TDC on the compression stroke, pointed rotor to #1 and installed all wires in the correct order. Started the truck and I have to adjust the distributor all the way to 30 or 40 degrees BTDC just to keep the truck running and it is not running very well at that. What am I doing wrong here? Any ideas? Thanks.

Bill

 

Anyone got any ideas?

 

You've got to give people time to get home from work

It sounds like the distributor is off a tooth. You're using a timing light, correct?

 

Sorry, haven't been working alot lately. Forget that other people have lives! Yes I am using a timing light.

 

did you realize that the rotor turns when you set the distributor down and the gears mate?

 

Yes, I know the rotor turns as it's gears engage. I am still making sure that the rotor points to the #1 plug wire and that the motor is TDC on the compression stroke.

 

It sounds like the distributor is 180 degrees off.

 

i agree 180 off, thats why you had to advance it so much. to compansate

 

I think he rotated from 180 earlier....read up the post he had it at 180 (exhaust cycle) and wasn't getting anything. Normally 180 degrees out it wouldn't start, or wouldn't stay started. It is not unusual to have to rotate the distributor a little to get adjusted...but you are saying 30 degrees of timing? Also, have you double checked your plugs and firing order? You didn't give any details of engine, or if I missed forgive me, but if you changed to HO cam, the firing order is different. Are you double sure of firing order. Just a few more things to check. Also, post question in engines forum under appropriate engine size and you will get a bunch of reponses of others that live and breath in engine section. Just give as many details as possible....the engine is running, but running rough and you are having to put a bunch of timing to it to stay running?

 

Not sure of the specs on the cam. The cam card burned in "the fire"! I was told it had a mild cam in it when I bought the truck. As far as the engine, it is bored .030 over. I had never heard of firing order changing with a different cam.

 

Check (remove the timing chain cover) to see if the cam and crank are in time. At the same time check the chain. Good luck!