ok, the old timer had the plug wires wrong....fixed that, but now it won't start. it started before with the wrong firing order, but barley ran. i'm thinking it needs points, and timing. how do i replace the points? i have no clue. please help.
thanks again guys.
-tony

 

The points are in the distributor, under the rotor.....make sure you replace the condenser as well......the condenser looks like a little cylinder with a wire coming out of it...held down by one screw, the points are a springy contraption that is held down by two screws...

A bit of advice here.....souinds like this is a *new* truck for you....I would advise you go ahead and replace the spark plugs and wires with new...as well as the cap and rotor....if you're into blowing cash, get a new coil......this way, you KNOW that these components are good and can trace any persistent problem to another area if need be. Plus, these parts are sadly neglected by most owners....plug wires can wear out in as little as 6 months.

Anyway, Find a book that tells you the correct Spark plug and point gap and timing info....make sure they are all set right (even if you don't replace plugs and all, clean them up and gap them....mine were twice the recommended gap when I bought my truck...and it still ran!!!).....put all the new stuff on, set the point gap, and get your timing light ready!

A good tune up will root out most issues, or point you in the right direction.

 

if it ran before with the firing order off , it probably needs to have the top dead center for number one on the compression stroke checked , my 2c's, bob

 

I second unimog's advice here. It is difficult to describe in text how to change points but a couple of photos make it very clear. Pick up a Chilton's or Haynes from an auto store and keep you eye out on eBay for a set of shop manuals. You'll be up an running in no time.
jor

 

Hmm interesting, you say the wires were wrong and it was ranning!
So you fixed "your" way from what the old timer had it setup at..
If you don't know what your doing or how to install the points. What makes you think the wires were in the wrong order..Fe and most other Ford engines 1234 our on the left side looking at the engne. Not like a GM! I can only say like others get a book and do you home work. This is ez stuff guy and to me being and old guy this seems odd what you have and old classic truck.. Flea markets. yardsales, ebay, library, auto-parts store that our all good places you can find these books..

1. If wires were on in the wrong order then it maybe that the rotor is 180*off.
2.To or correct this problem put #1 at TDC on compress_stroke pull dist.
turn rotor to #1 location mark. If dist. will not seat pull coil wire out, push down on dist and have a friend crank engine just enough for it to seat.
Points fire when they start to open (Not close) recheck it.. GOOD LUCK

orich ps old school is read the book

 

Maybe buy an electronic conversion instead of the points. Points are wearing out from day one. I converted to electronic and my truck has never run better. I thought I could just replace the points too, but the lobes on the distributor were so worn I couldn't ge the dwell past 15degrees. Swap to electronic and save hassle for the rest of the trucks life as well as yours.

 

In what way did the "old-timer" have the plug wires?

 

I have a '72 with a 360. I replaced the wires, plugs rotor, cap and bought the new points and condenser. If I rotate the distributer to where the the rotor is pointing to #1 is that tdc. Then do I set the points at .017 gap? Years ago I had a great old tune up book and a really good hard back chilton shop manual. Somewhere in the move I have lost them. The paper back versions of Haynes and Chilton you buy now at auto zone leave alot to be desired in my opinion. I will be looking on e-bay for some good books on the older f-100 and related info. Thanks

Kelly

 

I do it like this....but you may have to "re-time" with the light when you are done....

I use one of those "bump switches" to trun the engine until I an as close as I can to the points riding on the "peak" of a lobe on the dist. shaft, then loosen the dist hold down and rotate it slightly to get the points all the way open....set the gap....sometimes I can remember about how much I turned the dist and trun it back....even if not, it's not to far of and the ruck will usually start and you can adjust the dist. with the timing light to get everything where it should be. Be sure to check your dwell with a meter as well.....I find the truck runs better with correct dwell than exactly correct gap...could be a charactaristic of my worn distributor though! lol

As far as books go.....Buy every one that you see that applies to your truck....I find that almost EVERY manual gives different spec for various things...having 4 or 7 books will allow you to "average" all of their specs to find what actually works...plus some books cover some proceedures better than others, or offer that perfect picture that shows what another book is talking about! Welcome to vintage cars!

 

ok guys....i got the proper firing order from a few guys on here, and i also double checked from the local parts store. my uncle showed me how to set the points, the points are set. all i need now is to replace the coil, check for top dead center like some of you guys said, start it and check the timing. thanks for all the excellent tips. i will post once i get it sorted out. thanks, tony

 

I put lots of points in cars and finally decided to put " Petronix Ignitor" in my 65 289 and now I wish I had done it long time ago. I've had the vehicle 29 years, and it runs much better and starts easier than it has in a long time. The sprocket26 is exactly right. It is very easy installation as everything is under the dist. cap.