Changed Spark plug wires; now won't start

teahead

teahead

aka "Rob"
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I probably got the order wrong on the distributor cap.

Anyone know where #1 should be? I know the firing order (clockwise, 1-3-5-6-2-4 I think).

distributor.jpg
 
Take the cap off
There is a mark where 1 should be on the edge of the dizzy.
 
Stevehose said:
order is 1-5-3-6-2-4 not what you typed
Click to expand...
Steve is right for all m30 1-5-3-6-2-4

p.s. maybe someone will need this info (who don't know) - cylinder numbers count from radiator side 1-2-3-4-5-6

So it should be
DISTRIBUTOR < - > ENGINE
1 <--------------------> 1
2 <--------------------> 5
3 <--------------------> 3
4 <--------------------> 6
5 <--------------------> 2
6 <--------------------> 4
 
Last edited:
teahead said:
Okay, thanks.

So...which is #1 on the cap???
Click to expand...
Mike Goble said:
#1 is the terminal on the cap at which the rotor is pointing when #1 cylinder is near TDC on the ignition cycle. It can be any one of the terminals.
Click to expand...
To check TDC you can unscrew spark #1 on engine and put in that hole long screwdriver, then you must rotate with the crankshaft and watch when screwdriver will be on top position. Next, take off ignition distributor cap and see how is distributor rotor positioned, it will be plug #1.
 
Wladek said:
To check TDC you can unscrew spark #1 on engine and put in that hole long screwdriver, then you must rotate with the crankshaft and watch when screwdriver will be on top position. Next, take off ignition distributor cap and see how is distributor rotor positioned, it will be plug #1.
Click to expand...

Uh, careful. Unless you are working on a 2-cycle engine, the distributor can also be 180 degrees away from #1's firing position when #1 is at TDC.
 
Look at the picture, slot in the rim of distrib at about the 7:30 o'clock position, that's #1:

11060002_z.jpg
 
Stevehose said:
Look at the picture, slot in the rim of distrib at about the 7:30 o'clock position, that's #1:
Click to expand...

Yes, that is where it was when the factory built it. But who knows where various mechanics may have set it since that time. The car will run just file as long as the distributor body is any even, 60 degree increment from that point, as long as the wires are shifted accordingly.

The key is where the rotor is pointed when #1 is supposed to fire.
 
I do recall a similar experience. Discovered I had disturbed fragile wires around ignition coil and ballast resistor. Cleaned, replaced some terminals, and started again. Hope you are getting somewhere.
 
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