Common questions

What should I do if there is no spark on my new pickup?

What should I do if there is no spark on my new pickup?

If there’s no spark check all the wiring and ohm out that new pickup coil. If the spark is good as others have mentioned it’s likely that the distributor is 180* out.

When to remove the distributor on a rotor?

If yes, it should start. If no, see below. The distributor needs to be removed if the rotor doesn’t point to #1 terminal. Rotate the rotor until it does. The helical gear on the distributor means the rotor has to start at a different point so it will end in the right spot.

Do you need timing light when distributor drops in?

When the distributor drops in, as long as it can be rotated enough to line up the rotor, that is OK. You will need to properly time it with a timing light as soon as it starts.

How to install distributor on Ford 302 engine?

Years ago on a test stand Ford 302 engine I learned to install the distributor and get the engine started in less than a minute. If I dropped it in 180* out I quickly swapped the plug wires. It was 180 degrees out. Thanks for all the help and advice Thanks for letting us know the outcome.

How to install a distributor and set initial timing?

Leave a little extra room with the spark plug wires to allow freedom of movement in the distributor. For Chevys, be careful to make sure 5 and 7 are installed correctly. If the wires are accidentally switched, the engine will not be happy. Before we try to start the engine, be sure the distributor is connected to switched power.

What do I need to know before installing a distributor?

Before we can place the wires in the distributor cap, the first thing we need to know is which direction the rotor turns. For our Chevrolet engine you’ll note that the rotor turns clockwise. Small- and big-block Fords turn counter-clockwise.

If there’s no spark check all the wiring and ohm out that new pickup coil. If the spark is good as others have mentioned it’s likely that the distributor is 180* out.

If yes, it should start. If no, see below. The distributor needs to be removed if the rotor doesn’t point to #1 terminal. Rotate the rotor until it does. The helical gear on the distributor means the rotor has to start at a different point so it will end in the right spot.

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Ruth Doyle