distributor doesn't line up with #1 cyl.

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Feb 22, 2002 | 10:39 PM

snakepitt1

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 296

Likes: 8

From: Bessemer, Alabama

distributor doesn't line up with #1 cyl.

I have rotated my distributor through 360 degrees of rotation so that the Z1 mark is lined up with the notch on the fan housing. Each time I try this the rotor continues to point at the #5 cyl. Can I just rotate the engine so that the distributor should be pointint at #1, pull the distributor out, turn it slightly so rotor is lined up with #1 and tighten everything back down? I know it works with American cars. But with Porsches????????????? I am doing the work now, and need a fast reply.
Thanks,
Scott
1973 911T 2.4L MFI <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" />

Feb 22, 2002 | 11:02 PM

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

RL Technical Advisor

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 11,870

Likes: 75

From: Portland Oregon

[quote]Originally posted by snakepitt1:
<strong>I have rotated my distributor through 360 degrees of rotation so that the Z1 mark is lined up with the notch on the fan housing. Each time I try this the rotor continues to point at the #5 cyl. Can I just rotate the engine so that the distributor should be pointint at #1, pull the distributor out, turn it slightly so rotor is lined up with #1 and tighten everything back down? I know it works with American cars. But with Porsches????????????? I am doing the work now, and need a fast reply.
Thanks,
Scott
1973 911T 2.4L MFI <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

Scott:

You are on the right track.

Simply rotate the engine to Z1 (TDC)on cylinder #1. You can confirm this by making certain that the valves are both closed. The Z1 mark on that lower pulley should line up with the small notch on the lower part of the fan housing.

Then, drop the distributor in with a light twist; that gear is helical, making sure that the rotor is aimed at the #1 terminal on the inside of the cap...........

This will get you fired up so you may set the timing.

Good luck!

Feb 22, 2002 | 11:04 PM

philfran

Intermediate

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 34

Likes: 0

From: Martin, Tn

Make sure that you are on the compression stroke on #1. That might make a difference.

Also the BIG question...you live in Martin, Tn, so do I. I have a 78 SC Targa.

Feb 22, 2002 | 11:12 PM

snakepitt1

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 296

Likes: 8

From: Bessemer, Alabama

Hey Philfran,
We should get together and have a drink to the greatest cars ever to frustrate mankind. Anyway, I live over in Senic Hills sub-division. Give me a call sometime 587-3487

Scott Harris
1973 911T Targa
2.4L MFI <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Feb 23, 2002 | 12:37 AM

snakepitt1

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 296

Likes: 8

From: Bessemer, Alabama

Okay,
I rotated the engine, got the #1 at TDC, dropped the distributor back in, lined the rotor up with #1 in the cap and.........................
Nothing. The engine spins fine, but will not start. I tried moving the dist. each way and still no start. I even tried it at what might have been 180 out just to see if I was 180 out. Of course it didn't start. I rotated it back, dropped the dist. back in and it seemed like it might have been close to thinking about starting, but wouldn't. Also the smell of raw gas was getting strong so I decided to quit for the night.
Ideas?

Scott
1973 911 T Targa
frustrated 2.4L MFI <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" />

Feb 23, 2002 | 05:36 AM

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

RL Technical Advisor

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 11,870

Likes: 75

From: Portland Oregon

[quote]Originally posted by snakepitt1:
<strong>Okay,
I rotated the engine, got the #1 at TDC, dropped the distributor back in, lined the rotor up with #1 in the cap and.........................
Nothing. The engine spins fine, but will not start. I tried moving the dist. each way and still no start. I even tried it at what might have been 180 out just to see if I was 180 out. Of course it didn't start. I rotated it back, dropped the dist. back in and it seemed like it might have been close to thinking about starting, but wouldn't. Also the smell of raw gas was getting strong so I decided to quit for the night.
Ideas?

Scott
1973 911 T Targa
frustrated 2.4L MFI <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

Scott:

Not trying to be a wise guy here and I mean no offense but,.......did you test for spark? No matter where the timing, its gotta have spark.

1) Does the distributor rotate when its cranking?
2) If you have a Bosch CD box, does it whine with the key on?
3) Did you test for voltage at the CD box, coil, and any spark at the plug connectors with a spare plug?
4) If you still have points, do they open sufficiently? Got about .015 gap?
5) Check the wiring inside the distributor for continuity.

Let me know what you find.

Feb 24, 2002 | 07:27 AM

sayah

1st Gear

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

Just a few words that bear repeating, since I had this same problem myself.

1. Don't go by the Haynes manuel, the photo and caption used are TOTALLY misleading. This manuel is in its 4th or 5th edition with the same stupid uncorrected mistake.

2. The crank turns clockwise, the distributor turns counterclockwise.

3. Take a look at the wiring diagram for the car (the electrical section)if you removed the spark plug wires, there is a diagram of just were the plug wire go. This can be very confusing, since the firing order is 1, 6, etc, etc, and the order the manuel give for the cylinders is (left) 123, (right) 456.

Good Luck