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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 59 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 59 | I replaced my plug wires and now it won't run. I believe I put the wires in the wrong position. I brought the engine to TDC and the ball on the fly wheel was right at the pointer. This put the rotor at the 1 clock position, I routed my wires from the dist. cap with the correct firing order, now it will not start. Since i did this I have burn up the points and the coil. My question is where should the number 1 wire start. Or is there something I missed? Thanks for any help anyone can lend. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 | The ball comes under the pointer twice, once when #1 is ready to fire, and again one turn of the crankshaft later, when #6 is in firing position. Pull the valve cover, and look at the #6 valves- - - -NOT #1! Get the #6 exhaust valve closing (last one in line) and the #6 intake valve opening. Now align the ball, and use the cap tower the distributor rotor is pointed toward as #1. Follow around in a clockwise direction for 5-3-6-2-4.
When the #6 valves are "rocking", (exhaust closing and intake opening), #1 cylinder is at top dead center on compression, ready for the plug to fire.
Jerry
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| | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | ryanb790,
If you don't want to go through the hassle of pulling the valve cover and possibly destroying the gasket, you can pull the #1 plug, and while you have your thumb over the hole, slowly tap the engine over. When you feel the compression try to blow your thumb off, #1 is coming up on compression. Now is the time to watch the ball and pointer...when they align, you are on #1 TDC .
The plug wire for cylinder #1 should now be positioned in the distributor cap directly over the end of the rotor. This method saves pulling the valve cover.
Stuart | | | | | Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,516 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,516 | Ryanb790-
Just as Automarc said,and thats the way ive always done it.(I hate scraping cork gaskets)
1-5-3-6-2-4 clockwise rotation. If youre getting fuel,and spark,it should start. If you moved the distributor around while you were having probs.,,first get the firing order right and THEN you can dial it in to get it started.
Good Luck, | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 81 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 81 | I hope this doesn't make matters worse but on my 58 235 #1 on my cap is at about 5 o clock position.
52 Chevy 3100 5 Window, LS Swap, 4spd Auto, Vintage Air AC / Heat, CPP Power Front Disc Brake Conversion with bearing upgrade, Power Steering Conversion, LED Tail Lights
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 | It doesn't really matter where #1 is located unless you're a purist looking for an exact reproduction. It can easily be changed to the 1:00 o'clock position by finding #1 TDC on the compression stroke using any of the methods described above, then pull your dizzy out, turn the rotor so that it points to where you want it, put it back in, then put the cap on and change the wires so that the #1 plug wire is right over the rotor, then follow the firing order around in a clockwise direction. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 59 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 59 | My flywheel has two marks on it, an triangle pointing towards the pin and a small ball with either "2" or "Z" on one side and "11" on the other side pointing at the pin. I looked through my shop manual and it is not descriptive. Is it the triangle or the ball I am concerned with? Thanks again for everyones help | | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | ryanb790,
My notes are in another location, but I think the triangle is a valve timing mark. The ball is the one you want. It actually would make little difference as the distributor has many degrees of rotation both advance and retard.
If the available rotational adjustment can't get you in the ballpark, you can always parade the wires clockwise or counter-clockwise one hole.
The timing mark on the flywheel will get you close, but it probably isn't where you will end up timing the engine to...or maybe you will!
Stuart | | |
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