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Mon Jun 02, 2003 2:57 am

I am trying to get an engine started but it looks like the plugs on the distributor are not lined up in the proper 4-1-2-3 position. I cannot figure out which valve is open when the rotor is lined up with the notch int he distributor. Can someone tell me how to figure out the firing order? THey told me it was not the normal order, and the valves are out of adjustment, so it is hard to know which ones are open when I crank the engine over.

thanks
jim

Mon Jun 02, 2003 8:31 am

The firing order is 1-4-3-2. To get on number on remove distirbutor cap and turn the engine so the notch on crankshaft pulley lines up with the center of the crankcase and the rotor arm points to the notch on the distributor body. You can then check and take the valve cover off the #1 and #2 side and see if the vales are closed on #1(wiggle the rockers arms and their should be some play from no tension being on the rockers with the valves closed). If still have no luck take out #1spark plug and get a hanger or wire and stick it in the hole and turn the engine over and you will be able to feel when the piston is at TDC. If you have already gotten this far and got it on #1 you can adjust the valves to .006. Then continue on to the next cylinder in the order of 2,3,4. Turn the pulley 1/2 turn(180degrees) anticlockwise then you will be on #2, the rotor arm will only go 90degrees(if you were to put the cap back on it would be pointing to the #2spark plug wire). Then after #2, repeat the steps to 3,4. Remember to go anticlockwise 180 each time. Paint a white mark on the pulley to give you a guide where TDC is. Good luck. Anthony

Mon Jun 02, 2003 6:18 pm

Thanks for the help. Putting the stick in the spark plug hole helped.

It seems like #3 is in the #1 position and it is at the notch in the dist. Then it goes 3-2-1-4 I got valves adjiusted and started the bus. It sounds good, but as soon as I take my foot off the gas, the engine dies. Any more ideas??

I checked the fuel pump and cleaned the carb. Also checked the coil. Not sure what else. As long as I keep my foot on the gas, it runs, but stops when I let go.

THanks again!!

Mon Jun 02, 2003 9:31 pm

you are getting gas, in the carb for it to run but check the needle and seat in the float chamber of the carb to see if it is working correctly and not sticking, also make sure the float doesn't have a crack in it(get a glass and fill it and see if it floats or takes on water). If that checks out which it probably should since you said it will run if you keep foot on pedal. Check your ignition system. Make sure the points are good and gapped correctly and check timing. If it is vaccuum advance make sure diaphragm is in good condition by blowing in the hose and sucking to see if it advances the plate in the distributor. Make sure that hose is connected and no leaks. On your carb adjust your volume control screw and unscrew it a half a turn then start the engine and see what happens see if it will idle if not try another half turn. Then if it works then go back and check your timing again and make adjustments as necessary. If you have a multimeter to check the correct dwell, rpms etc.. That is a very ideal tool to have!! Good luck with it, just use the process of elimination you got it running now. Take it easy.. anthony