The rotor needs to point to the post on the cap where the #1 plug wire is hooked up. Actually, just slightly ahead of it.

 

Make sure points are gapped proper and clean contact points. Also, as Teach said, the condensor could be bad as well.

 

Thanks for the follow up. We are getting new points, condenser and coil. I will also double check the wiring to the coil etc. I think the next time I head down there, I will connect the timing light to the other plug wires and see if the erratic spark is across the board. Thanks again for all the advice.

 

New condenser did the trick. Motor started right up, timing light produces a clean look at the timing mark and the engine is running relatively smoothly. I did buy a coil but did not install it. The new coil states on the case that it must be used with an external resistor. Although the engine is running with the old coil, that coil has some pretty big dents indicating that it has been dropped or something. Just to be sure, I would like to replace it. Can anyone shed light on the issue of the external resistor? All the help and feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

Another question: One thing I did was check the oil before running this engine. The oil on the dipstick registered well above the "full" dot. It looks like it is at least a quart over. On my bike or my boat engine, this would be a serious "no". This is a newly rebuilt engine and the oil was put in by the rebuilder. I am suggesting that my nephew drain the oil, change the filter and refill with the proper quantity (in case it is the wrong dipstick) of oil. Any advice on this would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

There we go. That's bad condenser #1,785,648.
There will be a Ford engineering number on the dipstick. Post what it is and I'll see if I can cross it over to a part number. And see what it's out of.

 

When I was a kid, electrical problems were NEVER the condenser (after all they only cost $.29) and over heating problems were NEVER the thermostat. This one was brand new and, as noted, I am sure from China. There is actually a "mom and pop" NAPA store in my town and since I have been pressed into this job, it is a regular stop for me! I won't be back in PA for a couple of days but I will post the dipstick number ASAP. In the meantime, is running the motor over filled with oil a bad thing with this engine? Thanks for the help.

 

Too much is Better than not enough, but not by much. 1 quart over won't hurt anything. 2 quarts over and you may start to see ill-effects

 

BTW, in the future if you stick with points buy them and the condenser from Ford. They still make them and are not made in China.
V8 Points........B8Q12171A.
V8 Condenser..C9AZ12300A.

 

I don't mean to jack this thread but would those parts numbers be the same for a 1969 360?
Thanks

 

Same thing has happened with my 40 year old motorcycle. Chinese points Do Not work. Bike won't run. I'm sure those folks are good people just doing a job but someone is asleep at the switch. The extra money for reliable parts isn't really extra. It's just what it costs to get something that works. Thanks

 

Sure are.