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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 59
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 59 |
Help! I removed the distributor from my '48 to install new points. I took care to mark the cap as to #1, but I did not note where the rotor was. I put it back together (the engine was not turned) and she ran horribly for a few seconds and quit. I thought I had the distributor shaft 180 deg off so I repositioned it, which caused the engine to back fire. I've since tried to determine TDC to start over, getting #1 at the top of compression and the bb is on the pointer, but I don't know where to set the distributor (I know it should be with the points open and I tried that, but the car wouldn't start). I really don't want to haul my mess to a mechanic to fix!
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 63
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 63 |
First you need to determine if the # 1 piston is at TDC of the firing stroke or # 6 is in that position. If piston is at the top and both valve rockers are loose then that is TDC for that cylinder. Next locate the wire going to # 1 cylinder spark plug on the distributor cap. Install the distributor so the rotor is pointing to the # 1 wire position on the distributor cap. I always try to have # 1 at the tab on the cap and slot on the distributor body. That way I always know where # 1 plug wire is located. With all that in place then rotate the distributor body until the points just start to open and snug it enough so it rotates but not easily. Start the engine and adjust as necessary to obtain the fastest idle speed. That process works on all engines. Just remember that 153624 is the firing order for most six cylinder engines.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,024 Likes: 99
ChatMaster - 4,000
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ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,024 Likes: 99 |
Take a look at this post. A key point is that you might need to rotate the oil pump shaft with a long screwdriver to get things lined up. Timing a 216
Rusty
VCCA #44680
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 59
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 59 |
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! You guys are the greatest! I did just as you all suggested and it started right up! Timed it by ear and it purrs. Now I can get ready for all the fun things I've got planned for her this summer, my first summer of retirement!
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 63
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 63 |
Glad you got it purring. The process described is necessary in 1927 and earlier as there is no timing mark to use a timing light. Still works even on modern engines.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149 Likes: 42
ChatMaster - 6,000
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ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149 Likes: 42 |
Another way to determine #1 TDC is to remove the spark plug and rotate the crankshaft by hand, when you feel air displacement at the spark plug use a piece of wire to guage when the piston stops rising and begins to fall.
Tony
1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,024 Likes: 99
ChatMaster - 4,000
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ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,024 Likes: 99 |
Yes, retirement is fun. I am just into year 4. I have reached the point in the cycle when I wonder how I did as much as I did while working.
Rusty
VCCA #44680
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