in reply to a PM asking for setting a dist in a 430, here's the firing order and plug wiring diagram, and some quick instructions. To get the distributor in the right place, it needs to be pointing at #1 cylinder plug wire on the cap, at the same time that #1 cylinder is in firing position. One way to check if #1 is firing is to put your thumb over the spark plug hole and crank over the engine, but this is dangerous as your thumb could get ****ed into the hole (those Ford engines have a big spark plug!) A better way would be to pull the p*** side valve cover off, and bump the engine over clockwise until you see that the #1 valves both open and close, then the next time the timing pointer points to TDC, it's at #1 firing position, and you can drop in the distributor. With points, you can set the timing pretty close by getting the crank set so the timing is where it should be, 4 to 6 degrees before top dead center. Then pull the coil wire out of the dist cap, and put it so the end is near a metal engine part, but not actually touching. Turn on the ignition, and turn the distributor back and forth slowly, so you see the coil wire spark. You need to leave the distributor at the point where the coil sparks, as you are turning the distributor housing in the OPPOSITE direction that the rotor turns when the engine is running. On a 430 the rotor turns counter-clockwise, so you'd look for spark as you are turning the distributor housing clockwise. This should get you started....
wow, thanks allot Squirrel, now i can get back to work instead of just getting shocked! and maybe get it on the road before the last Beaches Cruise-In at the PIR!
I’m new to owning a Lincoln and would like to see if anyone can tell me how to set the timing chain? My engine wouldn’t start last week pulled it apart and I can jump the timing chain by hand. I just want to make sure I get the timing marks correct.
Did you buy the factory service manual for the car yet? That's what you really need, to find out correct answers to questions like this. (and it's too cold right now for me to walk out to the shop and take a picture of the manual....)
It's cool to see a 16-year-old thread come up that is very helpful for someone... And the original poster, Mr. @squirrel is still here helping out.
I ordered a manual but it hasn’t shown up yet. I really appreciate the help. I pulled it out of guy’s garage just before Christmas got all the wiring and vacuum lines straightened out drove it about 500 miles or so, it ran like a champ. Ordered a new chain and gear set and was hoping to get it back together tomorrow so I can get on the trailer headed to a shop to get an exhaust put on and interior redone.
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