Reinstalled Distibutor... Turns over, but wont run...

trndkll67 · 09-09-2006, 06:55 PM

I just replaced my distributor and installed a new one. The rotor on the new one is pointing to the same spot as the old one. The car turns over, gets a few fires, but won't stay running. I've rotated the dist almost 110 degrees trying to find the right spot, and trickled a little gas in the carb but no luck. Is there any way I can find the "sweet spot" without continuing to burn up my starter and battery? Is it possible that the dist gear is one-tooth-off; should I lift it out, and rotate it slightly when I reinstall?

HELP! I gotta get this thing running!

mustangII460 · 09-09-2006, 10:20 PM

Pull off coil wire, or keep cap off. ( Dont Want it starting )
Pull number one spark plug out.
Stick finger in plug hole.
Bump motor over with screwdriver at solenoid, or friend w/key.
When pressure blows your finger out, your very,very close to TDC. Look at balancer.
Lift out and set down in distrbutor w/rotor pointing to #1 ON THE CAP.
*If dist does not fall all the way in, bump the solenoid. It should drop.
Set timing.

rwhite65 · 09-09-2006, 10:48 PM

Exactly what he said, but I use a breaker bar on the balancer bolt because I have not had good luck with bumping the starter. Using the method described above should get you very close.

Ryan

trndkll67 · 09-10-2006, 02:22 AM

Thanks alot guys. I really appreciate it. I got her to fire up, but its still running REALLY rough, hissing, and puffing a bit from the carb. I rotated the dist a smidge but the timing is still way out of whack. Not sure if its a cylinder issue or a carb issue. I did a compression check, and got some varying results. Please take a look at my next post on that. Seriously, I really appreicate your help!

rwhite65 · 09-10-2006, 03:35 AM

Check your dist wires, make sure you used the right firing order and make sure you didnt accidently get one mixed up....we have all been there before.
Ryan

09-09-2006, 10:20 PM	#2
mustangII460 Factoy Five Roadster Join Date: May 2000 Location: Sevier Co,Tennessee Posts: 1,681	Re: Reinstalled Distibutor... Turns over, but wont run... Pull off coil wire, or keep cap off. ( Dont Want it starting ) Pull number one spark plug out. Stick finger in plug hole. Bump motor over with screwdriver at solenoid, or friend w/key. When pressure blows your finger out, your very,very close to TDC. Look at balancer. Lift out and set down in distrbutor w/rotor pointing to #1 ON THE CAP. *If dist does not fall all the way in, bump the solenoid. It should drop. Set timing. __________________ Frank

09-09-2006, 10:48 PM	#3
rwhite65 Ride Hard Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wyoming IL Posts: 1,094	Re: Reinstalled Distibutor... Turns over, but wont run... Exactly what he said, but I use a breaker bar on the balancer bolt because I have not had good luck with bumping the starter. Using the method described above should get you very close. Ryan __________________ 65 Fastback 91 roller 306, H/C/I AOD-Bauman, PI Stallion, 4.10's and traction loc 04 Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition 79 Ford F-250 4x4 - Restored

09-10-2006, 02:22 AM	#4
trndkll67 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 44	Re: Reinstalled Distibutor... Turns over, but wont run... Thanks alot guys. I really appreciate it. I got her to fire up, but its still running REALLY rough, hissing, and puffing a bit from the carb. I rotated the dist a smidge but the timing is still way out of whack. Not sure if its a cylinder issue or a carb issue. I did a compression check, and got some varying results. Please take a look at my next post on that. Seriously, I really appreicate your help! __________________ trn6d7kll "...I will rain down upon thee with great vengance and furious anger......." -Jules W.

09-10-2006, 03:35 AM	#5
rwhite65 Ride Hard Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wyoming IL Posts: 1,094	Re: Reinstalled Distibutor... Turns over, but wont run... Check your dist wires, make sure you used the right firing order and make sure you didnt accidently get one mixed up....we have all been there before. Ryan __________________ 65 Fastback 91 roller 306, H/C/I AOD-Bauman, PI Stallion, 4.10's and traction loc 04 Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition 79 Ford F-250 4x4 - Restored

09-09-2006, 06:55 PM	#1
trndkll67 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 44	Reinstalled Distibutor... Turns over, but wont run... I just replaced my distributor and installed a new one. The rotor on the new one is pointing to the same spot as the old one. The car turns over, gets a few fires, but won't stay running. I've rotated the dist almost 110 degrees trying to find the right spot, and trickled a little gas in the carb but no luck. Is there any way I can find the "sweet spot" without continuing to burn up my starter and battery? Is it possible that the dist gear is one-tooth-off; should I lift it out, and rotate it slightly when I reinstall? HELP! I gotta get this thing running! __________________ trn6d7kll "...I will rain down upon thee with great vengance and furious anger......." -Jules W.