help distributer mess up

[Edward.21]

hi all
i was having trouble with my distributer, so i poped her open to have a look and found that there was so much play you could fit a (insert large object here).so i thought id better splash out and get a new one, the thing is i must of somehow lost its place when i put the new one in so she runs but only i think on one or two cylinders and she backfires and she almost dosent have enough power move. i put a plug light on them and they had a spark so i presumed it was a timming issue and borrowed a timming light (a posh snap-on one and all ) the only problem is i dont know how to do it so basically i need some advice
thanks

[simmitc]

1) Set the points gap. It should be 15 thou at maximum.
2) Remove all spark plugs and leads. Put your thumb firmly over No 1 cylinder (the front one)
3) Using the starting handle (car in neutral!) turn the engine until you fell pressure building up under your thumb.
4) Look under the front of the car and find the timing marks. Continue turning the engine until the mark on the crankshaft pulley is mid-way between the 5 and 0 degree marks. This will be good enough for now.
5) Get the vernier on the vacuum advance in the centre of the scale - this will make adjustment easier later.
6) Now move the distributor so that the points are just opening. You can actually use your flash timing light for this - connect it to the HT terminal on the coil, then with the ignition on, it will flash as the points start to open.
7) Secure the distributor in place.
Note where the rotor arm is pointing. Fit the No1 plug lead to the corresponding terminal on the distributor cap. Now fit the remaining leads. Anti-clockwise: 3,4,2.
9) Now you can test run and confirm that timing is pretty close. When you've done all of that we can discuss final tweaks.
Good luck, it get's easier the more you do it.

[Edward.21]

thanks simmitc, what is a vernier ? ill have a go at this tomorrow and update you all with results.

[lambrettalad]

vernier is a scale,so set it in the middle

if you find the thumb thing hard try a soft leaded pencil,watch it rise and fall ,at it highest it's at top dead centre TDC

[Edward.21]

After reading it again it occurred to me that the new one has an electric thingy instead of points. ?!

[bmcecosse]

Sounds like plug leads wrong order -as above - 1342 anti-clock round the cap. then twiddle it back and forth to get the best/smoothest idle.

[jothina]

hi,

how are you getting on?

i,m only down the road in bridgwater if you need a hand

i,ll pm my tel no

john

[Edward.21]

Thanks John I'll have a go at 11 when I get back and see how it goes.

[Alec]

Hello Lambrettalad,

"at it highest it's at top dead centre TDC"

Yes that finds TDC but it doesn't tell you if it's the compression TDC or exhaust TDC as it's the former you need to time to. The thumb tells you if it's coming onto compression.

Alec

[Edward.21]

Right I have done the timming and it works!!:) thanks for your help everyone

[lambrettalad]

alec ,yes your right i forgot to expand to explain the relationship between the points and top dead centre