Notices

302 won't fire?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 1, 2019 | 09:52 PM
  #1  
Drop low's Avatar
Drop low
Thread Starter
|
4wd Low
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
302 won't fire?

So as the title says I'm having issues with my motor firing after doing some work to it today.
Replaced the manifold for a 4 bbl weiland, new 1403 edelbrock and a new msd distributor and coil.
I marked my tdc on compression prior to removal.
I have fuel spitting out carb but nothing for ignition, I did what msd asked in the instructions and hooked up a relay for my 12v power going to coil, I have double checked this and coil is getting full power while cranking, I have not checked at a plug yet as it's getting late, will check in the morning.
I wonder if my distributor might be out by 1 tooth of the drive gear as I should've made a better mark?

Any thought on what I should check for tomorrow? Maybe I will take a plug out and rotate my cap to see if I'm getting spark
 
Reply
Old Sep 2, 2019 | 12:19 AM
  #2  
xlt4wd90's Avatar
xlt4wd90
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,014
Likes: 207
From: SoCal
Club FTE Silver Member

What do you mean when you say "nothing for ignition"? If you have not yet checked the plugs for spark, that should be the first thing.

If the distributor rotor is off by 1 tooth, it should still fire, but may be out of time. The timing could be compensated for by twisting the distributor body, as long as it doesn't hit anything.
 
Reply
Old Sep 2, 2019 | 07:53 AM
  #3  
Tedster9's Avatar
Tedster9
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Marking the distributor housing is good in terms of initial timing but the problem is it's easy to drop it slightly out of phase in terms of the rotor too. Roll the engine to TDC compression and pull the cap and see where the rotor points. It should basically be pointing right at the spot where the #1 terminal lives. Can mark this too for future reference. On a Y block it's always pointing right at one of the clips that secures the cap. Your truck has something to mark like that.

Probably have to give it a bit more lead because the helical gear mesh, pull the distributor up slightly and hold your tongue just so, and try again. OR, could just move all the plug wires over in the cap over one step. That's cheating but the distributor doesn't really care so long as the firing order is correct. As mentioned above so long as the distributor housing is free to rotate enough to achieve the correct initial ignition timing setting it doesn't matter.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
moparmusclecars
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
12
Mar 5, 2026 12:21 PM
Dalyn
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Nov 20, 2014 08:02 AM
Binkowski
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Jun 30, 2014 03:53 PM
saezjose
Bronco II
3
Jan 18, 2010 04:31 PM
thunderguns71
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
4
Jun 28, 2006 09:35 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:36 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-3
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-7
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE