Expert: Brad Sears - 12/7/2010

Question
hello I am working on a 54 kasier with 226 and a supercharger. the motor had been rebuilt before we got but not completely installed. after install i am trying to crank but believe i have a timing issue first in popped through exhaust I turned distributor then it popped through carb. firing order is correct it is on the head of motor but can you tell me about setting distributor I was told to get #6 up on compression did that but still having trouble so any advice would be appreciated

Answer
Ok, first off the firing order for that car is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Now I would recommend getting the number one cylinder to TDC compression stroke. I usually do this by removing number one plug and holding my thumb over the plug hole. Then bump the starter until I feel compression, being careful not to go past the compression stoke. On your engine the timing mark is the fourth line before the "0". According to my reference manuals the timing mark is on the balancer on the front of the engine.
Then with a wrench on the front pulley bolt turn the engine in the proper direction till the timing mark lines up. This should be less than a quarter of a turn.
Now drop in the distributor so that the rotor tip lines up with the terminal holding number one wire and rotate the distributor slightly until the points are just beginning to open. The engine should then be timed.