The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop timing on 216

Hi Guys

I need to set the timing on a 216. I have read a lot of post that say how to fine tune the timing when the car is running. but call me stupid but i think i made my life a little more difficult. let me give you a little backrground on what i did. after rebuilding the carb i decided to set the timing and based o a friends suggestion they said i should remove teh distributor and set the timng using the flywheel and then put teh distributor back in and align it. i did that and now my engine does not start. i aligned the flywheel with the mark on the housing to 5d liek the shop manual says. now when i removed the distributr i forgot to mark where cylinder #1 was. can i put it anywhere as long as the wire is in the correct place or does the #1 plug go into a particular place on the distributor
the wires are in the following order 1,5,3,6,2,4
also the vacuum advance is curantly disconnected from the distributor.

Thanks again
Chaimv

chaimv,

I've asked the same questions as you. If you click on my name and visit my past threads, you should have all your questions asked.

I didn't pull the distributor out but it shouldn't matter where you put it as long as it "fits" to the oil pump. Then you can proceed to time it with the flywheel mark and ball. Just remember that the flywheel mark will align on the ball at #1 and #6 cylinders during 1 rotation of the distributor rotor. Others can elaborate more here but they've done a good job at explaining the whole timing issue to me with an engine that ISN'T running. Good luck

Kyle

chaimv,

There are a few different approaches...this is mine.

Pull all the plugs...DON'T pull the valve cover.

Turning the engine over with the fan, put a finger over #1 spark plug hole (hole in front).

As you pull the engine over, you will feel a strong rush of air trying to escape beneath your finger.

Watch the viewing hole above the starter as you continue to pull the fan. The ball (or whatever) will soon appear. Line this up with the pointer.

This is TDC..top dead center on #1 cylinder...it is getting ready fire the plug.

Loosen the distributor hold down and center it so it will move equally both directions of rotation.

Pop the cap and see where the rotor is pointing. You can mark the outside of the case with a sharpie showing the location of the rotor.

Put the cap back on and put the plug wire for #1 cylinder in the tower of the cap nearest the mark you made.

Insert the remaining wire, in a clockwise rotation, in firing order sequence-- 153624.

You want the vacuum advance line attached to the unit at the distributor. When you time it with a timing light, remove the line at the carburetor and plug the fitting (in the carb).

Now drive to the market for some snacks!

Stuart

Atomarc YOU ARE THE BEST. I FOLLOWED YOUR DIRECTIONS AND SHE LIVES. YOU ARE THE BEST.AND YES IT IS IN ALL CAPS BECAUSE I AM SO EXCITED. IT WAS SO SWEET TO HEAR HER RUN AND SHE RUNS SO FINE THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

dad6timz,

It's nice when it roars to life...your welcome.


Stuart

Hi guys back again. Still no luck

i trying to set the timing for 5 degrees before tdc. here is my question. On my flywheel there are two marks there is a little ball and a triangle that comes up before it. Am i correct in assuming that when the pointer lines up with teh ball that the engine is tdc. i have been setting the timing for five little lines before the ball. should i set the timing on the triangle or have i been doing it right

That was a good explanation Atomarc.

chaimv,

It won't make a great deal of difference which marks you line up for initial starting. It should start if any are lined up and you can time it for optimum after you have it running. Just follow Stuart's (atomark's) recipe and if you have strong spark and fuel, it will start.

I tried timing the engine by aligning the ball and with the mark on the flywheeel housing. I have fuel (a bit too mouch it floods the manifold if i crank it long enough) i have spark and. when the choke is pulled teh engine cranks but does not start - doe snot even catch. if i press the gas all the way down flames shoot out of the carb.

please help

Sounds like you might be 180 degrees out. You might go ahead and remove the rocker cover to make sure that both intake valves are closed on #1 cylinder, indicating TDC compression stroke. Then correct the distributor rotor position and wireing for fireing order.

You seem to be having trouble accepting the concept that the flywheel makes two revolutions for each revolution of the distributor, therfore the marks lining up could be for number one to fire, or they could be for number six to fire. As Bill said, check the valves to determine which is at TDC and ready to fire and place your plug wires to match.

Hi Guys

If i am 180 degrees of do i need to remove the distributor or can i just rearrenge the wires on the distributor

Either way, but it's easiest to move the wires.

Also make sure you are using the timing hole on the starter (passenger) side of the block- there is a hole in the driver's side too but it doesn't line up with anything. The pointer is kind of behind the starter and hard to see.

In addition, the distributor turns clockwise. If you get the firing order backwards it will belch but not start.

Hi Guys

Thanks for all your help. The Beast runs again. It took alot of tries but finally i got it running. Like a lot of people i had the distributor turned 180 degress. so i just rearrenged the wires. and not only that i learned that my old wires were shot and replaced them with new ones now it runs and sounds great. Could not have done without your help.

Thanks again.

Chaim