Hey guys. I think I have an ignition timing problem. I have a new coil, points (gaped at .015?), plugs, dizy cap looks good and rebuild carb. Im just unsure about the timing. Engine is at TDC and the rotor is pointed at "12:00". I was reading around and I think 12:00 is supposed to be towards the engine? is this right? also I cant find a good picture of how the spark plug wires go. I got this car months ago and I've never seen it run. I got it to spit once or twice with starter fluid or gas in carb. Thanks for the help!!!
At TDC shouldnt your rotor point to number one plug wire? That is if the firing order starts with number one. That looks like a 235 head to my old eyes. Course it don't matter the firing order should be the same.
First, to 325w, I believe that's a 216 with the side cover removed. Second, to BeanDipper, your rotor is way off. It should be pointing at the number 1 plug at TDC. I would reset the engine at TDC (make sure the number 1 piston is up and both intake and exhaust valves are closed.) remove the distributor and reset it with the rotor point at number 1. Check you point gap (make sure the point tab is resting on the crown of the distributor cam and not on the flat area) and then start it. Once it's running, you can fine tune it.
also be sure the carb is primed- the fuel pump takes a while to pump it to the carb and you need to be sure there is fuel in the carb.
Thanks for the info guys! So, the motor was 180 deg out when I took the pic, and the the timing looks good now. Although the points tab is just past the apex of the dis. cam. (maybe I'm not looking at the timing mark dead on) I did eliminate a piece of wire going to the coil that had a quick splice connector. It was saturated in oil and maybe causing some high resistance giving me a weak spark... I'll try and start it tomorrow.
As long as the rotor is point towards the number one plug at TDC, even if off just a touch, it's ok. You can adjust the timing once the motor is running, which is your main goal. As far as the points, turn the engine by hand just a bit, to get the crown point and the points tab lined up or else your point gap setting will be off.
Is TDC indicated by the ball bearing or a triangle as mentioned in the 52 repair manual? I think the ball bearing is the timing mark but cannot find the triangle. How many degrees is the timing mark?
180 degree off? you need to check if cylinder number one was on compression stroke. the crank turns twice for every one spin of the distributor so it is possible the ball will line up 180 off. remove number one plug, hold finger over hole and turn the engine. you will know your on the compression stroke when air pushes on your thumb. then time the rotor to the number one SPARK PLUG WIRE.
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