How to replace a distributor when the original rotor position is unknown?

Question

I have a 1989 5.0 Mustang that I had to pull the distributor to replace the Ignition Control Module. I was careful to mark the distributor's postion however I forgot to mark the rotor position within the distributor. Now I'm stuck. Can anyone give me a clue as to how to align the engine with the distributor enough to get it running so that I can fine tune the timing by twisting the distributor? Thanks.

Answer 1

Take out number one plug insert wire into cylinder rotate engine until wire is at highest point this is top dead center next find #1 wire in cap set rotor at that point if it does not start pull dist.and rotate 1/2 turn and it should start.

Answer 2

Take out your spark plugs On your crank damper, there will be a large bolt. With the transmission in neutral, get a wrench on this bolt, and manually turn the engine until the timing marker points to the correct advance. Using a reference manual, find the location of the #1 tower on your distributor cap, and make a corresponding mark on the distributor body. Now install the rotor and turn it so that it points to that mark. Slip the distributor into place, keeping the rotor pointing at the mark. Tighten it up. Do your final installation: points, rotor, cap, plugs and ignition wires. Start 'er up and adjust the timing with a light.

Answer 3

OK get a manual and there is a mark on the distributor that signifies cyl 1 then by hand rotate the engine until the #1 is at TDC and the timing mark on the pully in on 0 then put the rotor on the mark on the distributor and slide it in. it will turn maybe 1/8 turn then if you marked the distributor it should be real close.
A manual like Chilton's or Haynes will be more detailed for the specific engine you have

Answer 4

It does not would desire to be at TDC. in simple terms be certain you mark the region of the rotor once you pull the distributor. it particularly is achievable to get it off by one or 2 enamel. If that occurs, in simple terms carry the distributor and regulate the region of the rotor. Oh, and once you place the hot distributor in, be certain you bump the starter some cases to make constructive the distributor traces up with the oil pumppersistent shaft earlier you initiate it. or you should wreck the shaft or maybe the engine (no oil pass).

Answer 5

If you know the plug wire lay out on the cap you are half way there. turn the engine so #1 cyl. is at top dead center and drop the distributor in the rotor should point to the place on the cap that would be #1 plug wire. Good Luck. This should get your base timing.Make sure the oil pump is splined in also you will need a long flat tipped screw driver.

Answer 6

Remove #1 Spark plug and have a helper bump the ignition over in short bursts while YOU stick your finger over the spark plug hole when the air coming out of the cylinder forces your finger off the hole have helper stop cranking and you can then turn the engine over by hand to line up the timing marks. Then the rotor can be aimed at #1 spark plug wire. Will get it running close enough to drive home or gat a timing light on it.

Answer 7

Turn engine till the #1 piston is top dead center on the compression stroke. insert the distributor with the rotor pointing to the position of the plug wire going to cylinder #1

Answer 8

u need to get engine to tdc for cylinder one. then your rotor should be pointing towards the spot on distributor where cylinder one is. this happened to me once on a four cylinder and i just had to try positioning the dist. four times until i found the right spot. however, u got an 8 cyl so it could be a problem. so use tdc one to save some time.

Answer 9

Yes, I am a woman, but I am married to a mechanic. There is a book called a Chilton that has all that information in it. Your local library should have the whole series of them. When in doubt look it up!