mk1-forum.net

Hi all having a real nightmare trying to set up this 59d electronic distributor , I got the engine with this distributor loosely placed in the engine, the engine is a standard 998 and has an hif 38 carb fitted I bought the engine to replace my naff a+ engine I have set the engine to t.d.c and fitted the distributor with the rotor arm pointing toward the 1 oclock position i then fitted the cap and starter from this point anti clockwise firing order 1342 I have spark at the plugs but it won't start I no I have to rotate the body of the distributor to get it running but what ever I do don't seem to get it going. I have had the engine running for around 30 seconds but that was only when I pulled off the ht to cylinder #4 spark plug and held it from a small distance away from the spark plug. Thanks in advance for any help

Go to this site.



http://home.mindspring.com/~purlawson/f ... Timing.pdf

Noting that the dizzie was "loose" you should not assume that the drive is in the "normal" orientation.

The noted article does say it all - but perhaps is a little more than you need...

1. Install the dizzie ...

2. Set engine with No 1 cylinder at TDC on the compression stroke - note that the last bit is important...

3. Where ever the rotor is now pointing IS the No 1 plug lead. Count off the other plugs (counter clockwise..)

4. Rotate the engine (backwards) and then forwards until the TDC mark lines up with about 5 deg before TDC..

5. Rotate the dizzie until the points just open - note that the previously determined No 1 lead is still just that..

6. Lock the dizzie down and all should be good.

Just to check, you could remove the No 1 plug from the engine, connect it to the plug lead, wedge the bottom of the plug against one of the headstuds (to earth it) turn on the ignition and crank the engine. You should be able to see the plug firing - with a nice strong blue spark.

Good luck, Ian