problems starting a rebuilt 428
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
problems starting a rebuilt 428
Does anyone have instructions on how to properly position a distributor on a 428 that was rebuilt. I set my #1 cylinder at TDC and install the distributor so that it looks like #1 spark plug wire on the distributor cap is in the 5 o'clock position (standing on the drivers side of the car). The dist. rotor is just underneath the #1 position in the dist. cap. Just like the old mustang books show it. The engine turns over very slowly and will not fire. I see gas going down the carb when I turn the throttle, and it backfires through the carb when I turn it over. Makes me think the timing is retarded and I may have the distributor in the wrong position. I have tried the other closest cam geat positions, but no luck. Any input on properly placing the distributor would be appreciated. Thanks.
!["Beemer Nut"'s Avatar](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 50 50'><circle class='avatar-circle-default' fill='%23bc5285' cx='25px' cy='25px' r='20px'></circle><text class='avatar-text-default' x='49%' y='53%' fill='white' text-anchor='middle' alignment-baseline='middle'>"</text></svg>)
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
Likes: 4
From: "Islander"
At number 1 TDC is that on compression or exhaust stroke TDC, you 180 degrees out? Pull plug, place thumb on plug hole then bump starter until you feel compression. Set crank at 10 degrees BTDC, rotate dizzy until you just get a spark at # one cylinder, static timed until you get it running. Start, oil pressure OK cool then set timing check for leaks then tune carb and enjoy.
.....=o&o>.....
.....=o&o>.....
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 669
Likes: 1
The 180 degree out thing could be your issue. Being that it's a 4 stroke engine, the timing mark comes around twice per full cycle. What that means is that just because you have the mark on TDC for #1, it does not guarentee that the piston is on the compression stroke. As Beemer said, make sure you're on the compression stroke by feeling through the spark plug hole. It's obvious when the cylinder is coming up on compression...when it is then stop at TDC and set your distributor. One other thing...just because you've lined it all up does not ensure it will start right up. You're really just getting it in the ballpark here....when you try to start it you may need to rotate the distributor one way or the other to get it fired up.
Good Luck!
Tracy
Good Luck!
Tracy
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Yup, they all got you covered here.
Just a side note...it does not matter where the plug wires are on the cap. As long as they are in proper firing order going in the correct rotation. #1 can be in any position as long as you point the rotor to it when you install dizzy at TDC.
Just a side note...it does not matter where the plug wires are on the cap. As long as they are in proper firing order going in the correct rotation. #1 can be in any position as long as you point the rotor to it when you install dizzy at TDC.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
I was pretty sure I had the #1 piston at the top of the cylinder. The timing mark at 0 deg. and the distributor rotor pointing at #1 on the cap. I took the spark plug out and put a screwdriver on top of the piston to see where it was in the cylinder. Good to know that the placement of the #1 distributor cap wire is not important as long as everything else is set-up correnctly. Thanks, I will have to dive further over the weekend.
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 1
From: Littleton, CO
Originally Posted by DarylZ
I was pretty sure I had the #1 piston at the top of the cylinder. The timing mark at 0 deg. and the distributor rotor pointing at #1 on the cap. I took the spark plug out and put a screwdriver on top of the piston to see where it was in the cylinder.
--Mike
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
To test the "180 degrees out" thing (it's really 360 degrees out 
), just do this:
Where you "think" #1 is, put #1's spark plug wire on the exact opposite side of the distributor cap and set the rest up according to the firing order - counterclockwise!
), just do this:Where you "think" #1 is, put #1's spark plug wire on the exact opposite side of the distributor cap and set the rest up according to the firing order - counterclockwise!
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
Likes: 4
From: "Islander"
For test only that would work but man that makes a mess out of your ignition wires if they were cut to length for a clean custom looking installation.
Were waiting to hear if you have zoom, zoom!
.....=o&o>.....
Were waiting to hear if you have zoom, zoom!
.....=o&o>.....
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
You guys were correct. I changed the location of the #1 spark plug wire on the distributor cap and then followed with the rest of wires. I was able to start it up with this setup. I guess it is time to take off the valve cover and make sure I set #1 at TDC with the intake valve open. Thanks guys. This was exactly what I was looking for.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Newbury Park Ca.
Open????
Originally Posted by DarylZ
You guys were correct. I changed the location of the #1 spark plug wire on the distributor cap and then followed with the rest of wires. I was able to start it up with this setup. I guess it is time to take off the valve cover and make sure I set #1 at TDC with the intake valve open. Thanks guys. This was exactly what I was looking for.