First time changing spark plugs - help?

[70_Steve]

Okay I put everything back except air filter/housing and tried starting it. Engine turns but no start, once i got a loud pop/bang from engine, any any thoughts?

Timing. Probably related to having the spark plugs in the wrong position. They may be in the correct order, but #1 spark plug wire needs to line up with where the rotor is when the engine is at Top Dead Center (TDC) on the compression stroke.

Turn the engine over until the TDC mark on the harmonic balancer lines up with the timing pointer. Remove the distributor cap and note where the rotor is pointing. Replace the cap and install the spark plug wires starting with the #1 spark plug wire where the rotor is pointing.

Be aware that this method, the way I've described it, has a 50/50 shot at being correct. This engine take two complete revolutions to make one cycle. So, just lining up the timing mark on TDC isn't really enough. It needs to be lined up with the mark, when the #1 cylinder is on the compression stroke.

So, if the engine doesn't start using the method above, move the #1 spark plug to the other side of the distributor cap, and reinstall all the other wires.

Note in the pic, the stock location of the #1 spark plug wire.

 

[ilovemaui]

If you didn't pull the distributer you must have not installed the wires correctly. If you pulled the distributer out you'll need to reinstall in the correct position per Steve's direction above.

 

[thebends]

I fixed it - I had the wring dang chart, everything running fine now,

Of course when I reversed out of my drive to take it for a test spin, the 2 wheel drive disengaged somehow and I had to fumble around in the street trying to get it back %)