I am just finishing up reconnecting the engine and getting ready to start it up. I didn't rebuild the engine since it ran fine when i pulled it like 6 years ago. I just repainted it changed the timing chain, oil pickup, fuel pump, water pump, thermostat and rebuilt the original carb (not the one that was on the engine when it last ran). Also had the trans and radiator rebuilt so a lot of things are going to need tweaking all at once. Since I removed the distributor how do I know where to set the timing so that I have it roughly close on startup?
Initial distributor setting
- Thread starter sparky65
- Start date
Steve you forgot to tell us what motor and year you are working on.
It will make it a lot easier for members here to help you knowing that.
Because it hasn’t run in years spray some Marvel Mystery Oil around each piston. This will help reduce any rust build up over the years. Not to worry, the Marvel oil is good for motor oil and gas as well.
Matter of fact you can do that right away..
Now having said all the above, here is a shade tree version for setting your distributor..
1: Remove all spark plugs
2: Remove distributor cap:
3: Have a friend put their finger in the # 1 sparkplug hole:
4: Using a ratchet turn the crank CW until your friend feels pressure.
5: **Using a long screwdriver have your friend feel the piston coming up until it JUST STARTS down and STOP. Be careful not to jam the screwdriver.
6: Stab the distributor in so the vacuum can is pointing at 3 o’clock maybe 3:15. In other words it’s better to be late here than early..
7: Tighten distributor-locking bolt just so you can turn the distributor easily by hand.
8: Note where the rotor is, and place the number 1 spark plug wire there.
9: Place the remaining wires in their firing order in a CW order.
10: Turn crank CW until points open; set to specs. If you ant got specs you could use a matchbook cover to set. (in a pinch) .018 to .020 ????
Been a long time for me:
11: Replace sparkplugs, distributor cap and plug wires.
12: Double check your plug wires and confirm the firing order is correct.
13: Check plug wires again:
14: Connect vacuum line.
15: Thank your friend because he was a real big help..
Now we gots to get this thing started hu..
1: Make sure your carb is getting fuel.
2: Call on your friend again and have him try and start the motor.
3: ***You will turn the distributor slowly CW and or CCW until it’s starts..
4: Thank your friend again for being a really really big help:
Now setting static or initial timing:
1: Let engine come up to normal temperature:
2: Remove vacuum line from distributor and PLUG the line leading to the manifold.
3: Using a timing light set your initial timing to specks.
(Rule of thumb never under 6* or over 20*) Specks works best here.
4: Tighten the distributor locking bolt down tight:
**Note if you go to far down back up 180 degrees and start over.
*** If you have to move the distributor to far CCW and you bump into the block with the vacuum can you will have to reset the distributor one tooth or move the sparkplug wires one place.
I just can’t recall which way??
There are other ways but this should get ya there under the shade..
Good Luck..
PS: If you cant get it started now just remember, you don’t know me… :mrgreen:
It will make it a lot easier for members here to help you knowing that.
Because it hasn’t run in years spray some Marvel Mystery Oil around each piston. This will help reduce any rust build up over the years. Not to worry, the Marvel oil is good for motor oil and gas as well.
Matter of fact you can do that right away..
Now having said all the above, here is a shade tree version for setting your distributor..
1: Remove all spark plugs
2: Remove distributor cap:
3: Have a friend put their finger in the # 1 sparkplug hole:
4: Using a ratchet turn the crank CW until your friend feels pressure.
5: **Using a long screwdriver have your friend feel the piston coming up until it JUST STARTS down and STOP. Be careful not to jam the screwdriver.
6: Stab the distributor in so the vacuum can is pointing at 3 o’clock maybe 3:15. In other words it’s better to be late here than early..
7: Tighten distributor-locking bolt just so you can turn the distributor easily by hand.
8: Note where the rotor is, and place the number 1 spark plug wire there.
9: Place the remaining wires in their firing order in a CW order.
10: Turn crank CW until points open; set to specs. If you ant got specs you could use a matchbook cover to set. (in a pinch) .018 to .020 ????
Been a long time for me:
11: Replace sparkplugs, distributor cap and plug wires.
12: Double check your plug wires and confirm the firing order is correct.
13: Check plug wires again:
14: Connect vacuum line.
15: Thank your friend because he was a real big help..
Now we gots to get this thing started hu..
1: Make sure your carb is getting fuel.
2: Call on your friend again and have him try and start the motor.
3: ***You will turn the distributor slowly CW and or CCW until it’s starts..
4: Thank your friend again for being a really really big help:
Now setting static or initial timing:
1: Let engine come up to normal temperature:
2: Remove vacuum line from distributor and PLUG the line leading to the manifold.
3: Using a timing light set your initial timing to specks.
(Rule of thumb never under 6* or over 20*) Specks works best here.
4: Tighten the distributor locking bolt down tight:
**Note if you go to far down back up 180 degrees and start over.
*** If you have to move the distributor to far CCW and you bump into the block with the vacuum can you will have to reset the distributor one tooth or move the sparkplug wires one place.
I just can’t recall which way??
There are other ways but this should get ya there under the shade..
Good Luck..
PS: If you cant get it started now just remember, you don’t know me… :mrgreen:
Your (factory specks) static or initial timing is 12*.
Good info here
Good info here
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