I recently purchased a 1978 Ford F150 351 modified that was rebuilt but sit 2 years withought ever being started or with any oil, the Distributor was just put in and Since it never ran it Was never put into time, I got the Engine cranking over good, But it will only hit a little bit and backfire so i figured its way out of time, the Disturber is as far right as it will go (when sitting in truck) any one have an idea where I should have the Distributor sit at starting out?

 

Ok, I'll give this a shot, but there is lots of info on the web to help.

Do you know what the initial timing should be? Pick the one that fits from this list.
<table width="580" bgcolor="#cccccc" cols="3" border="1" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="7"><tbody><tr><td width="25%" align="left" valign="top">F150/250/350
</td><td width="50%" align="left" valign="top"> 351M, auto trans
</td><td width="25%" align="left" valign="top"> 14° BTDC
</td></tr><tr><td width="25%" align="left" valign="top"> F150/250/350
</td><td width="50%" align="left" valign="top"> 351M, auto trans, CA emissions
</td><td width="25%" align="left" valign="top"> 8° BTDC
</td></tr><tr><td width="25%" align="left" valign="top"> F150/250/350
</td><td width="50%" align="left" valign="top"> 351M, manual trans, CA and 49-state
</td><td width="25%" align="left" valign="top"> 6° BTDC
</td></tr></tbody></table>
Rotate the engine by hand until the timing indicator is on the correct initial timing. Then make sure the rotor is pointing at the number 1 cylinder (if it's 180 out that's ok). Then rotate the distributor until a prong on the reluctor lines up with the magnet in the pickup coil. This should get you close enough to get it started.

 

Thanks a lot I'll give it a shoot

 

I can't seem to find the timing pointer anyone one have a picture of where it should be?

 

How is the compression ?If its been sitting 2 yrs the cylinders may be dry not making much compression .I;d pull the plugs out and shoot some Wd 40 or a little oil in the cylinders crank her over with plugs out then reinstall plugs. Make sure your distributor is wired right .You may want to turn distributor advance or retard while trying to start it .

 

 

March
Rotate the engine by hand until the timing indicator is on the correct initial timing. Then make sure the rotor is pointing at the number 1 cylinder (if it's 180 out that's ok). Then rotate the distributor until a prong on the reluctor lines up with the magnet in the pickup coil. This should get you close enough to get it started.


Me
I will disagree with this ^.Trying to set your ingnition timing with the engine 180 out is a bad idea. You need to rotate your engine until it is on top dead center on the compression stroke, then drop the distributor in with the rotor pointing to #1cylnder on the cap. This should be close enough to start it. Then using a timing light and the timing marks on the balancer set it to whatever is recommended for your engine (assuming its stock) with the vacume advance unhooked. Good luck.

 

J is correct. I was assuming that the distributor was installed "close". If my process doesn't work, you'll need to do as J suggests. Let us know if your unsure of how to find TDC of the compression stroke.

 

Thanks for all the replys, march, yes I am pretty new to this and help on how to find the tdc would be greatly Appreciated

 

Assuming you balancer was installed correctly TDC is marked on it. To make sure your on the compression stroke, remove the #1 spark plug and rotate the engine until you feel pressure on your thumb. That's the compression stroke. TDC is at the top of this stroke.

 

Ok, I have Follow the above about TDC and have found it, but I am now having trouble getting the dizzy to drop in with rotter facing Cylinder number 1, any suggestions

 

Sometimes they hang up on the oil pump driveshaft. Take a 3/8 socket and tape it to a long extension. Should be able to turn it a little and try again.