crossed spark plug wires?

Question

OK here is the thing i was playing mechanic with the spark plug wires then I messed up now the car wont start so i need help on how to sort the wires to the distribuitor the info is buick riviera 67 with a 455 from 73

Answer 1

Somewhere you will find the firing order for the cylinders. It may be displayed on top of your engine or you may have to get a book, like Chiltons from the library.

Next you must get the front piston (#1) to its firing position. This will be at its highest position with both valves closed. To do this you might remove the spark plug and insert a dowell so you can feel the piston moving. You can move it by turning the cooling fan (not too difficult with the spark plugs out. You have the piston at the top of the compression stroke ( blew air out the sparkplug hole as you were turning it.)

Now look at the distributer and where the rotor is pointing. That is the place on the distributer cap for the wire to #1 that you had just been working on. Best to put the wire on the distributer and masking tape with #1 on it.

Now turn the engine about 1/4 of a revolution clockwise and the rotor will move on to another spot under the distributer cap. This spark plug wire will go to whatever cylinder is next on your firing order. use masking tape to mark it.

remember that the cylinders on the driver's side are #1.#3,#5,#7 from front to back and #2,#4,#6,#8 on the passenger side from front to back.

Work your way around the distibuter and you should have it all marked. Put the right numbered wires on the corresponding plugs and everything should be ok.

Of course the short wires should go to the plugs nearest the distributer and the longer ones for the more distant plugs.

Answer 2

Firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. Rotor turns clockwise, i believe. Cylinders are numbered with odds on the left, evens on the right.