how do i know which wire goes on which plug on a distributor cap?

Question

i didnt number them so i dont which plug to put the wirein on the distibutor cap

Answer 1

Only take them off 1 at a time or put tape with numbers on them.

Answer 2

Don't feel like the Lone Ranger! I'll bet every one who's ever messed with plug wires and distributors has asked the same question or at least should have. I know I did the first couple of times. The distributor cap should have a mark of some kind (#1, a dot etc.) to indicate the position where the #1 plugs wire goes into the cap. You'll need a helper to either turn the key while you watch, or visa versa, which direction the rotor turns after removing the distributor cap. (Cap only! Not distributor! That's a whole nother can of worms!) The plug wires follow the same rotation as the rotor turns. Now. The firing order of the plugs should be on the intake manifold. Actually cast right into the metal it's made from. You'll have consult either your owners manual of local dealerships parts dept. as to which cylinder of the engine block is #1 and if the sequence is engines left bank 1-2-3-4, front to back, right 5-6-7-8, front to back or something different. (previous values are examples only) some cylinder heads also have the cylinders designation # stamped or cast into them on the head near the spark plug holes. Hope this helps! Never hesitate to ask a question! How else can you ever learn. Also, your local public library should have any other info you may need but it'll probably be in the reference section which you cannot check out. You CAN Xerox them though! Good Luck!

Answer 3

Your question does not explain what engine but after reading other responses I'll assume its a "Chevy V-8"? all Chevy V-8 firing orders are 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. That's counter clock wise on the cap. Number 1 is generally marked on the cap. Bring your damper timing mark up on TDC and if the rotor is pointing toward the front of the engine it will be directly at #1. If it points to the rear of the engine its pointing at #6. Then you would have to rotate the engine again to TDC for the correct position of #1.

Answer 4

The firing order should be stamped on the intake manifold. The wires go around the distributor cap in the same order. Look up "chevy firing order" on the internet. There is probably a picture that will help.

An even better solution is to find a Chilton's manual for your car. One more thing...as you look at the engine, the odd numbered cylinders are on one side and the even numbered ones are on the other side. That should help a little bit.

Answer 5

Most tune-up kits that you do purchase do not come numbered, and likewise most caps on the engine are not numbered too. Which goes to say not two engines are alike. Otherwise life would be so easy, we would not need a mechanic shop! But here is my solution...look at the set-up, weather it's a V8, or V6 engine...pull the cap and wires off together, leave wires on cap...put on your work bench, get the new cap and wires, and follow the set-up to the old one...the cap only goes on one way, so no worry about that...check lenght for lenght, replace cap and wires and you're good to go!

Answer 6

The cap should have a 1 or a dot on the #1 cylinder plug. Then you just count around in the direction the rotor turns.

Answer 7

The Manual for your car should have a section in it about the firing sequence for your car. That should help... if you don't have the manual, head up to your local parts store, they should have one, or be able to help you out. Next time, make sure you MARK the wires before you take them off.

Also, the firing order should be on the engine somewhere to let you know the sequence for the plugs... that should help for finding the righ wires coming from the distributor.

Answer 8

take the old ones off and lay them on the floor or table and then compare the lenght with the new ones.Hope this will help

Answer 9

What kind of vehicle is this? Maybe I can help you?

Answer 10

well are you talking about a car,plane,boat or motorcycle?lol