The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Mallory Distributor Wiring

#1) I am trying to install a Mallory Distributor.on a 350 Chevy. #4748201 breakerless ignition distributor with vacuum advance.
I have not started this engine up since the total rebuild. I have the engine at Top Dead Center on the compression stroke.
I need to know which terminal on the Mallory distributor cap is the #1 terminal so that I can install my spark plug wires(18436572)clockwise.
Can anyone one tell me which terminal is the #1 terminal on the distributor cap in relation to the distributor cap positioning lug OR in relation to the vacuum advance mechanism??

#2)How do you test the electronic module in the distributor to see if it is working properly??

I have this thing wired as per the wiring instructions with a mallory #700 ballast resistor and a Accel #8140 coil.
I tried to start it today and it just cranks over with no hint of trying to fire up.
I position the distributor in several locations on the cam. I'm stumped????
With a test light I have power to the new distributor when the ignition switch is in the on position.

HELP!!

Do you have power when the key is turned to the "START" position?

Get #1 piston to TDC on the compression stroke.(If you need help seting that up, email me).
Set the distributor so that the rotor points to #1 cylinder.
Start the plug wires (in sequence) from that point on the cap.Get it as close as you can(Cap terminal to the rotor point to that terminal on the cap).It will be close enough to start if it DOES have fire when cranking.
When you move/turn the distributor,only move it no more that half to 3/4 ov an inch either way from where you set it.(It does not need to move very much to dial it in to correct timing)

I have power when it is in the start position and when it in the run position.
I have the engine at TDC and 0`. I guess that I was unshore of which direction the pointer on the rotor should be pointing with the engine at TDC and 0`
Physically toward #1 cylinder right?

It does not really matter nting in relation to the physical cylinders,I just like to set it there for future reference .It is however important to start #1 plug wire where the rotor is pointing with #1 piston at TDC.

I got my truck, a 51 Chevrolet running today. It turns out that my new Accel coil was putting out a very weak spark.
I installed a new coil and the thing fired right up.
It was real nice to hear this truck roar to life. This is the first time the truck has run since I bought it 2 1/2 years ago. [img]http://www.stovebolt.com/bboard/ubb//biggrin.gif[/img]

Awesome to hear that it runs