HELP- I messed up the distributor setting

[Redlineshftr]

I took out the distributor to remove the fan strap and it moved around a bit. Could I set the engine to tdc and then set the distributor to the 1st cylinder? How would I know which one is the 1st cylinder on the distributor? I gotta get this thing running tonight! Thanks,

Mike

[89turbocabmike]

Mike, for some orientation follow the wire from the #1 cylinder which is the rear most(closest to rear bumper) on the left side to the cap. The distributor rotor is going to need to be aiming at that wire at tdc. You can mark the distributor housing(sometimes there is a small mark etched into the distributor body already). Set engine at tdc(need to make sure it's on #1 compression stroke) Engage distributor gears such that rotor lines up with mark on distributor housing and #1 wire when cap is installed. If it doesn't run/backfires you may be 360 degrees out. Hope this helps.

[Eagledriver]

Mike,

Did you have the distributer pointing at a known postition when you removed it? If you need to re-do the position you'll need to find number 1 TDC on the power stroke. Then put the distributor in with the rotor pointing toward the number 1 wire. Give me call if you need help.

-Andy

[Redlineshftr]

I adjusted everything and it started right up. I let it warm up a little bit and took it down my street and it surges on and off when im barely on the gas. I went back and checked the setting on the distributor and it was perfect. I have NO IDEA whats wrong now! Anyone?

Andy- Thanks for meeting me today with the alternator. I've been waiting since Xmas eve to drive this thing! (It failed on the way home from my grandmas house!)

[Redlineshftr]

bump, anyone? I've ran out of ideas!

[jmohn]

Did you set timing correctly (5 deg. BTDC @ 950 RPM, 26 deg. @ 6000 RPM, IIRC)?
Vac. hose to advance re-connected?
Was anything else changed?

Jerry M
'78 SC

[Redlineshftr]

I didnt change anything else. I didnt reset the timing but I didnt think I had to.

[jmohn]

Yup, gotta time it. Timing didn't go away until Motronic in '84 (I'm assuming this on your '78 SC and it's stock).

Jerry M
'78 SC

[Redlineshftr]

ive never set the timting on my car is it a pretty straightforward process? I have waynes book to guide me through it.

[Redlineshftr]

Gotta wait til tomorrow to grab a timing light. Thanks for the help Jerry.

MIke

[jmohn]

Setting timing sounds (and reads) more complicated than it is. Just follow Wayne's instructions (and connect the light properly) and you should have no problem. Most people who have a problem are doing it for the first time, connect the light wrong, have trouble finding the mark or use the wrong mark on the lower pulley. One old trick is, once you find the proper mark (5 deg BTDC) mark it and the scribe on the fan housing with something white (I use a white grease pencil but I've seen guys use white shoe polish applied with a match stick in a pinch). The white marks will show-up much better and be easier to see under the timing strobe.

Good luck,

Jerry M
'78 SC

[Redlineshftr]

Thanks again for the help Jerry. I notice while revving it up that the alt light goes on above 3500. Is this something to be concerned about? Could my ext reg. be going out?