Expert: Brad Sears - 9/26/2010

Question
QUESTION: i install a new distributor cap an rotor on my 1969 Pontiac G.T.O. now it won.t start but it back fires not sure how far off the timing is thanks..

ANSWER: Did you remove the distributor when you worked on it or just removed the cap? let me know.
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: yes i did removed the distributor

Answer
Ok, you are going to have to find number on cylinder top dead center and then drop the distributor back in with the rotor pointed in the right direction and then rewire the cap. Heres how to do it.
1. Remove number one spark plug. Number one is the most forward pug on the drivers side of the engine.
2. Disable the ignition by removing the small wire that runs to the distributor from the coil.
with your thumb over, not in the hole, have some one bump the engine over with the starter. Feel for compression and stop.
3. The look at the timing marks and if necessary turn the engine with a wrench on the front pulley to align the marks. Number one should now be on top dead center firing stroke.
4. Consider the distributor as a clock face. The front of the car would be 12 o'clock and he back of the car would be 6 o'clock. Drop the distributor in so that the rotor is pointing to 7 o'clock.
5. Install the distributor cap and the cap terminal that is over the rotor is number one and the wire from that terminal goes to number one plug.
6. The cylinder numbers are as follows. The divers side from front to rear is 1-3-5-7 and the passengers side front to rear is 2-4-6-8.
7. Going around the cap counter clock wise the wiring order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.