Reinstalling Distributor

[tbauer03]

I swapped out distributors today because It wasn't getting spark and i suspected it to be the pick up coil. Anyway when i pulled it i marked where the rotorbug was pointed thinking when i dropped it back in it would lock back into that position because that would be the only way the oil pump would allow it to go in (or 180* opposite) But when I reinstalled it would only fully seat about 20* clockwise from my mark. I figured if i kept the distributor hold down clamp loose enough i could rotate the base enough to compensate. Anyway it wouldn't start or attempt to fire. It appeared to be sparking based upon my timing light flashing. So my question is did i make an amauter mistake by severely adjusting the timing to the point it won't fire or is there something else to look at (fuel)? Thanks for any input.

 

[xcaliber]

Re: Reinstalling Distributor

Well I'n no guru with the v6, dont guess I've ever replace a distributor on one, however I have done several V8's
and with a 350 after you take it out, 99 out of a 100 times it will not drop right back in,
it will get most of the way, then it will rotate another few degrees as it goes down leaving your button in the wrong place. I always just stuck it in and would rotate it back a little so when it drops it spins to the correct placement, sometimes you have to bump the motor over or turn it with a big wrench to get it to "drop". otherwise it will spin a small amount when it "drops" and the timing is off.
this may or may not help, not sure how to explain the process very well

 

[leroy]

Re: Reinstalling Distributor

The distributor very seldom drops back to the same position. I keep trying as I rotate the distributor shaft (rotor)...after about one complete rotation the oil pump has moved enough to allow it to go in.

Good tip on listening for the fp relay to energize Dave.

Jim

 

[tbauer03]

Re: Reinstalling Distributor

Ok I followed the advice given and got the timing right but still no fire.
The ECM fuses are good and I hear the fuel pump running. I even tried jumping the fuel pump on the firewall and tried cranking it but still no fire. What else could be keeping this from firing.

 

[tbauer03]

Re: Reinstalling Distributor

Ok I was able to get it to run off of starting fluid by spraying it thru the intercooler. I am getting fuel pressure to the Rail i am thinking the gas is either too old to run on(about 2 years) or the fuel injectors are not allowing gas to flow thru because they are gummed up.
Anyway I am running RPM's Billet Fuel Rail and it has no outlet like the stock rail for me to hook up and drain the tank. I am out of time now to work on it but could this be as simple now as bad gas? How do i know if the injectors are firing.

 

[tbauer03]

Re: Reinstalling Distributor

I would be more inclined to believe the fuel pump is gummed up if it is 2 years old. And with no pressure-tap on the fuel rail, how do you know what the fuel pressure is?

Another problem and head-ache created by aftermarket parts!!! Shit, can't even check the fuel pressure, because there's no tap. Great parts!

I agree for a few extra bucks there should have been provisions for a tap in the fuel rail but that is in the past. I made another post for ideas on tap ideas. But to check for pressure i loosened one of the AN connections on the rail and jumped the fuel pump on the firewall the pressure was sufficient to spray gas everywhere:lol:

 

[4.3CPI]

Re: Reinstalling Distributor

If injectors sit dry for along time, they can stick shut. I've always been able to tap on the pintle valve at the end to free them up. You can check to see if they are getting juice with a noid light or a 12v LED and cranking. It should flash.

If it does flash, pull the rail and crank to see if fuel comes out at the delivery end.