Setting Timing with HEI Distributor
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Gurnee, IL
Setting Timing with HEI Distributor
So heres my question: Which way should I insall the distributor/rotor if I have no reference marks for where the original Ford distributor was installed? Does it matter where it is as long as the rotor points to the #1 plug wire? Any help is appreciated. Thanks
Bill
Bill
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Gurnee, IL
OK so, I installed the distributor with the motor at TDC on the compression stroke, pointed rotor to #1 and installed all wires in the correct order. Started the truck and I have to adjust the distributor all the way to 30 or 40 degrees BTDC just to keep the truck running and it is not running very well at that. What am I doing wrong here? Any ideas? Thanks.
Bill
Bill
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
You've got to give people time to get home from work 
It sounds like the distributor is off a tooth. You're using a timing light, correct?
It sounds like the distributor is off a tooth. You're using a timing light, correct?
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Gurnee, IL
Sorry, haven't been working alot lately. Forget that other people have lives! Yes I am using a timing light.
Yes I am using a timing light.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
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
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 74
From: Hartford, AL
I think he rotated from 180 earlier....read up the post he had it at 180 (exhaust cycle) and wasn't getting anything. Normally 180 degrees out it wouldn't start, or wouldn't stay started. It is not unusual to have to rotate the distributor a little to get adjusted...but you are saying 30 degrees of timing? Also, have you double checked your plugs and firing order? You didn't give any details of engine, or if I missed forgive me, but if you changed to HO cam, the firing order is different. Are you double sure of firing order. Just a few more things to check. Also, post question in engines forum under appropriate engine size and you will get a bunch of reponses of others that live and breath in engine section. Just give as many details as possible....the engine is running, but running rough and you are having to put a bunch of timing to it to stay running?
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Gurnee, IL
Not sure of the specs on the cam. The cam card burned in "the fire"! I was told it had a mild cam in it when I bought the truck. As far as the engine, it is bored .030 over. I had never heard of firing order changing with a different cam.
