The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Tune-up 101

So I'm doing my first tune-up today or tomorrow. I've got new; points, rotor, distributor cap, spark plugs. My neighbour has the timing light and has done it before on other vehicles. Any suggestions, recommendations, etc? 1958 235.

Yeah...replace the plug wires while you're at it. But do them one at a time. Long ago and in a galaxy far, far away, I decided to do a tune-up on my Datsun 510. Of course in those days, I didn't start any project until I'd carefully considered and planned the course of action...usually over a six-pack (or more) of "barley pop." By the time I got started, I was just a little bit fuzzy around the edges...and I just took things apart until I had all the stuff that I was gonna remove lying in a heap on the ground.

First I gapped the plugs. I used a paper match since I couldn't find my feeler gauges...and I used the matchbook cover to set the gap on the dual points. Then I started putting stuff back together and darned if I didn't have a clue on the firing order. It was only a 1600 cc OHC 4-banger, but since my buddy and I had demolished a couple more six-packs, rational thinking was in short supply. I tried every combination that I could think of in my slightly inebriated state and eventually ran the battery down to nuttin crankin it over tryin to start it. No luck at all.

Eventually I had to do the most ego-damaging thing that a shadetree mechanic can do: I had it towed to the local Datsun dealer and plead not guilty by reason of insanity. The mechanic wired it up and set the point gap and timing in about 15 minutes. Turns out that I didn't bother to see which way the distributor was turning. Every combination of plug wire location had been based on the distributor turning the way I thought it would (I can't remember, but I think the Datsun distributor turned counter-clockwise) and as a result, I made a big mess of things, since I'd been trying to make sense of things based on the distributor turning in the opposite direction. If I'd just taken the cap off and watched the rotor turn while my buddy cranked the motor over, it might bave had a little different outcome.

It only took me another 20 years before I figured out that I wasn't very good at drinking and working on cars...or doing much of anything, for that matter. To make a long story short, I had my last drink on 12/31/91.

But back to the suggestions. If this is your first time doing a tune-up, I'd do it in steps: Gap all the plugs (they may be pre-gapped...if so, skip this step) then replace them one at a time and put the plug wire back on. Then fire it up, just to make sure that ya didn't miss anything.

There are several ways that you could replace the wires and cap, so do it in a way that you don't do like I did and lose track of what goes where.

Make sure you get some lube on the points rubbing block...or better yet (in my opinion) install a Pertronix Igniter module in and forget about points forever.

That otta give you a coupla ideas on how NOT to make the same mistakes I did that day.

I would check the gap on the plugs, even though they are supposed to be gapped correctly to begin with. When I did a tune up on my truck a couple of months ago, I checked the gap on each plug before installing them and two of the six were incorrectly gapped. I also installed a petronix HEI conversion and new coil. The installation was a piece of cake, and the truck is running much better now. Though the improved performance could just be due to the tune-up, I agree that not having to deal with points makes the HEI worth it whether or not it improves performance. If you do install the HEI conversion, I recommend keeping the points in case you decide to convert back for originallity's sake, or in case you go to sell it at some point, as some buyers will want the points system.

Tune up in something like this order:

1- air filter
2- oil & filter
3- pcv valve (if you have one)
4- fuel filter

5- plugs (check gap 1st)
6- plug wires (1 at a time)
7- cap (transfer wires one at a time, number the cap with white marker for ease)
8- points & condenser

10- check radiator, transmission, steering box and differential fluids;
11- check brakes (fluid level, leaks, pads/ shoes, springs, drums, cables, adjustments)
12- inspect exhuast for leaks
13- check shocks
14- lube all 24 lube points for suspension, linkage, pedals and hinges.
15- check bulbs- brake, headlight, turn signals, dash, interior; adjust and replace as necessary.
16- check your wiper blades.
17- check tire pressure and wear, rotate tires.

18- ride around the block

19- cold beverage of choice

You might want to get a shop manual reprint for your 58. I got mine at Ecklers and enjoy it both from the information standpoint and from an entertainment stand point. (They weren't so PC back then, so the intro is pretty interesting compared to the way we talk today.) I've already used it a few times and it has good (I think) explanations of how to perform all routine maintenance. I haven't needed it for anything out of the ordinary yet (thank God) and may never use it for any major repairs, but I still consider it a good addition (much more usefull than the 1958 Motors Repair manual that my grandfather used, and I got with the truck).

I have always wondered how a spark plug could be "pre-gapped", as most plugs are used for multiple applications which have different reccommended gaps???

Always check the gap (MOO)

Jon.

I have wondered the same thing but for some reason most of the time I check my plugs they are already at the gap I need- In fact, I've even wondered if I was checking them correclty, have bent them and then regapped them to be sure-pretty funny!

Thanks Guys! We'll go over the gap b4 we replace them. I wondered about changing the plugs wires. All I'm trying to do is get through Aircare, the emission testing. I use my truck daily and it's vital for plant deliveries. It ended up raining for the past 2 days so I've held off. More time to study the manual.

You have emission testing on pre-emissions vehicles? That's cruel and unusual punishment. At least here in Utah we only have testing going back to 68 when emission regulations were mandated for new cars. Trucks are exempt up to 73 or 74, I think.

Heck, that ain't a tuneup. That's a full blown PM.

MNSmith-

Yer right, my list is a little more than what you get for a basic tune up price, but most of the other stuff is just labor that I figure you ought to do when you have set aside some time to spend with the guts of your truck. You know, the stuff that often gets put off indefinately...

I can't beleive they require emissions testing on a stock engine. They don't in California, and I always thought that this was the biggest tree-hugger state in the union.

lumbergh wrote:
They don't in California, and I always thought that this was the biggest tree-hugger state in the union.

BC ain't in that union!

I agree with you though, I thought we had it pretty bad here in california with respect to emission testing.

I've always thought BC, Washington, Oregon and California should join for one country. But that's my opinion.

I've tried to get out of the emission test but they insist. A neighbour said they will eliminate Aircare over the next few years.

NM51, your list is great - I've printed it and will be going through it, some have already been done but a great work-list.

My neighbour gave me a blank stare when I mentioned the gap measuring b4 replacement.

Hey magnolia, check out Larry's site: http://www.laroke.com/larryk4674/1998/billybob.htm ...his menu on the left has all sorts of maintenance tips... and he's the king of detailed information!