Timing question.

[Firefloor]

Still having problem getting the 6 cyl to start

My question is if the #1 cyl is at top dead center should the rotor be pointing at the actual cyl or should it pointing at the #1 plug wire on the distributor cap. Pic for reference. It looks like the rotor is pointing at the #1 cyl. Thanks in advance!

 

[DirtDonk]

For references, it's always the spark plug wire location. Never the cylinder itself, unless it just happens that the same alignment with a given distributor also aims at the cylinder in question.
Otherwise it's always the plug wire. You're timing the spark event, so it has to be the wire.

And what are you using to determine the piston location? Timing marks? Finger over the hole? Or cam gear timing marks inside the engine?
Just making sure you have TDC on the compression stroke, rather than the other one (exhaust) because no matter how many times we've done this, now and then we still get it on the wrong stroke.

Good luck.

Paul

 

[B RON CO]

Hi, the way Ford set the firing order you would be @180* off.
I would turn the balancer 1 full turn and line up the timing marks.
It is helpful to have a Chilton's manual, or some online resource for basic information.
I would go over the firing order.
Sometimes you have to move the distributor a little one way or another to get it to start.
What is happening when you try to start the engine?
Do you have good spark? Did you do something and now it won't start?
Good luck

 

[Firefloor]

Thanks for the replies. I used a small screwdriver to determine where the piston was on the #1 cylinder. Timing marks are lining up on the balancer. I agree it looks like it's 180 degrees off! I'm getting spark so that's not the problem. I know I sound like a novice! It's because I am!!

 

[DirtDonk]

Your alignment method is incorrect.
It can work, but only half the time.

Remember that the timing marks come up to the pointer TWICE during the normal scheme of things for the distributor rotor coming around only ONE full turn.

So that's what is meant by "180 out" even though it's counter-intuitive when looking at the crank damper. It means that distributor is 180 off, but the crank can be 360 off (which is just one full turn) because the cam gear and distributor are only moving at half speed of the crank.

In it's simplest form, instead of a screwdriver you need to put your finger over the hole while turning the engine over and feel for the heavy pressure buildup. Maybe even running it around twice to make sure you're feeling the big pressure buildup and not just the minimal buildup of the other stroke.
The other method is to remove the valve cover to actually watch the valve events to see when the piston comes up to the top with both #1 cylinder's valves fully up and closed.

Check it again either of the other ways to be sure.

Paul

 

[Firefloor]

Thanks Paul....I will try that!