Number One
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Saddle Brook United State
Number One
Gentlemen, Does any one know where number one is on the distributor cap of a 1990 4.9l ? I have one book ( Haynes ) that shows two different positions, one position for 1986 and earlier and one for 1987 and later.If you are standing on the drivers side if the engine looking at the distributor you will see a cap hold down lug at about 5 o'clock .Most all the books show number one at the 4 o'clock position to the right of the lug or clip. Haynes says this is the position for the models 1986 and earlier and to the left or 6 o'clock position is the 1987 and later. The ford shop manual doesn't even say anything at all about position. I am not sure if this even makes any difference or not, I have the feeling that as long as the firing order is correct , where number one is doesn't matter. Any thoughts.
Bob /stractor
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: cedar rapids usa
Number One
Here is what I would do. First is to drink a Mt.Dew and look at it. Yell for my son grab that freaking 85lb tool box out of the back (hey he went to state for wrestling so why not make him do it?) Then I'd get serious and have him pull the number one plug out, and take of the distribtor cap.
With him turning over the truck by using a ratchet on the balancer nut, I would hold my finger over the spark plug hole till I felt pressure against it. Then I would bring the timing marks up to where they should be. Look at where the rotor is setting at. Thats the right spot for the number one plug on the cap. After having the boy put the plug back in and wire on I'd have him start it. Then I would time it and ask the kid for another Mt. Dew. While he was running for the pop (soda to ya'll down south) I'd dream about that blown 460 big block and pat myself on the back for being smarter then a freaking Haynes manual.
Of course you could do this all on your own but I wouldn't cary that heavy freaking tool box, just the tools I needed
With him turning over the truck by using a ratchet on the balancer nut, I would hold my finger over the spark plug hole till I felt pressure against it. Then I would bring the timing marks up to where they should be. Look at where the rotor is setting at. Thats the right spot for the number one plug on the cap. After having the boy put the plug back in and wire on I'd have him start it. Then I would time it and ask the kid for another Mt. Dew. While he was running for the pop (soda to ya'll down south) I'd dream about that blown 460 big block and pat myself on the back for being smarter then a freaking Haynes manual.
Of course you could do this all on your own but I wouldn't cary that heavy freaking tool box, just the tools I needed 
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 1999
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Number One
The Number 1 position is marked on the cap . If you remove the cap & the rotor is pointing to that position on the cap then its at Tdc on the No 1 Cyl . The timing mark on the crank pulley should be at Zero . The firing order 153624 , If its wired that way then there is no other choice , No 1 is No 1 . What exactly are you trying to do , set the timing , reinstall the distributor ?
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 504
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From: Saddle Brook United State
Number One
To make myself clearer , I typed the qiestion at 2 AM. The distrubitor is out of the engine and the engine is set at top dead center. I want to put it back in but are not sure where the number one is.
Bob
Bob
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Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Number One
Number 1 is marked on Motorcraft caps and probably others, but the cap that was on my truck when I bought it was not marked.
INLINE SIX POWER!
300 Cubic Inches of Low RPM Truck Torque! And twin-I-beams too!
"Drive a stick young man! There'll be time for automatics when you're old and unable."
INLINE SIX POWER!
300 Cubic Inches of Low RPM Truck Torque! And twin-I-beams too!
"Drive a stick young man! There'll be time for automatics when you're old and unable."
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,135
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From: Canada
Number One
most dist have #1 marked
wayne_j i love your discription there man. hehe! i usually make my buds or my dad do it tho for me
wayne_j i love your discription there man. hehe! i usually make my buds or my dad do it tho for me
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 504
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From: Saddle Brook United State
Number One
Thanks for the replys. The cap I have is marked as to number one, or at least there is a one on the cap. The one on the cap adds a third choise to the mix as the number one is two places to the left of the hold down lug.
Lets see we have 1. one wire right of the cap mounting lug 2. One wire to the left of the lug. 3. Two wires to the left of the lug ( the number one on the cap). All of the above were taken from good sources of information, Ford service manual, Alldata, Haynes , Chilton and this board. Do you see why I asked the question??? I still think as long as you have the firing order correct , where you place the number one plug wire doesn't matter. It may matter in the fact that the distributor may point in the wrong direction , physically. I have no doubt there are engines set to all of the above positions and that run perfectly OK. I still would like to know which one is correct.Bob / stractor
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Number One
You can't go wrong with the Mountain Dew approach, except I'd make it a IBC root beer and add a moon pie, (I'd also refer to my manual.) That helps make mechanicing fun, yep we call 'em sodas or cold drinks. So when you visit the south, bring your VISA and whatever you do, don't call it POP.
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