I’m having my 360 rebuilt, when I pulled out the distributor and plugs wires the wires were already cut to length to each plug. I want to make sure when I re-installed the distributor and wires I have the timing right. I’ve carefully marked where each wire goes, but how do I know where to point the rotor now.

 

Some distributor caps have a "1" embossed next to the #1 terminal. Ideally first one makes a scribe mark on the body of the distributor and the engine block before removal. This will get the timing close. Close, it needs to be checked with a light. 2 degrees difference is about the width of a pencil line.

To get the rotor lined up, rotate engine CW till the #1 piston at TDC compression stroke. Remove the distributor cap and observe where it points. Mark this on the distributor.

Because of the helical gear ya gotta give it a little windage or lead ahead of where you want it to end up on reinstallation. Some folks mark the distributor body with a paint marker, sharpie, scribe etc. On my Y block I noticed the rotor aligns with one of the snap clips that holds the cap on for example, when it's dead on.

 

The distributor was not mark in away when it was pulled, only the plug wires were marked and noted. I'm now not able to travel back into time and mark the distributor.

 

You'll be allright. Find TDC on #1 piston compression stroke. Determine #1 terminal on distributor cap. The rotor should point right at it, or actually a little ahead. Remember the rotor turns CCW. The firing order continues on in CCW order. It is important to get a new engine fired right away without a lot of drama. Backfires through the carb, grinding the starter marathons, etc. No, bad deal.

 

Thanks for the quick replies, I know how to reinstall a distributor and wire the plugs following the firing order. >>> My concern is getting this right using the 'cut to length' wires before I removed it. My apologies if I'm not understanding the previous answers. I don't want to have to purchase another set of plug wires I want to use my existing pre-cut wires. Only the wire placement was noted when it was removed not the distributor.

 

It doesn't matter where #1 wire is on the cap so long as the rotor points to it at TDC and that the firing order is observed as the wires are installed.... but the vacuum canister should generally point towards the front of the truck because it can interfere with putting a wrench on the hold-down tab, wiring, some air cleaners, etc.

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The #1 terminal on the cap (is there no "1" cast in your cap?) is the one closest, by a fraction of an inch, to the brake master. However, if the wires were not in the correct places before, this won't help you.
Eric

 

Guess maybe I am not understanding the question.

 

So let me try and re-word my question to see if this helps.



Prior to removing my 360 motor, distributor & plug wires, the plug wires were pre-fitted to fit each plug perfectly without any excess wire. Everything was cool, (I had to remove the 360 for various reasons mainly because the thing leaked oil out of everywhere plus noisy valves).


Prior to removing the distributor and wires I carefully noted where each wire went. My obvious goal was to maintain my pre-fitted wires during re-assembly. After noting the wires I removed the distributor. The rotor was at this point in a random spot. I did not note anything regarding the rotor position.



I now have the motor back after the rebuild. (side note: and I don’t think this matters but there was a new and different cam shaft installed). I now have the motor back and I of course want to maintain my pre-fitted plug wires. I can easily reinstall my pre-fitted plug wires using my notes. At this point is where my question comes in, I of course know where all the pre-fitted plug wires go, but I’m not sure where to point the rotor now. I’m assuming I just put the number one cylinder to TDC and point the rotor to my number one plug wire correct?


If I didn’t have pre-fitted wires this would be easy, just put the number one cylinder at top dead center and wire the plugs using the firing order I know how to do that. The confusing thing for me is with the pre-fitted wires. What is my brain missing?

 

Let's read this: How to Install a Distributor.. So Easy a Caveman Can Do It!

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Tarzan know where Tarzan go.

 

Hell, I'm confused now after reading the question again.

OK, #1 terminal on the distributor and the rest of it is basically arbitrary, the distributor doesn't care where #1 is located (on the cap/rotor itself) just so long as the firing order is correct.

The rotor (and plug) has to fire the right cylinders in sequence of course. So to start, line up the actual #1 piston (passenger side forwardmost on a Ford) at TDC compression stroke.

Wherever the rotor points right now, that is the "new" #1 terminal for the cap.

All your wires (on the plugs) are where they were before, you will have to start installing the distributor ends CCW in firing order from the new #1 designation.

I'm sure someone else can explain it in just a sentence or two.

 

Yes. That will get you close enough to crank it, but you will need to dial it in with a timing light.

 

Tarzan does not know where Tarzan go.
Excuse me... Do you know the way to the waterfall?

 

LOL.

No but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night.