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I need help setting the timing on 351c

please help , i have a 73 mach 1 mustang, rebuilt motor and i cant seem to get it right. I know the timing chain and marks are in line, the book i have said to set the timing marks 10degrees btdc . ok i did that and made sure it was in line on the compression stroke. then i put the distrubitor in so that the rotor was pointed at the the number one plug on the distrubitor, and the points were set to the point were the were just about to open. place the cap back on and tried to fire it up. but that dosent do it it dident even start. but it did start and run rough wen i set timing marks on T D C. DID I DO THIS ALL WRONG OR WHAT? PLEASE HELP THANKS BOB ROBERT

Reply to
bobrobert
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When I do any distributor work I always mark TDC then set the rotor to that setting on #

  1. Be aware that the rotor moves a bit when the distributor and cam gears mesh so make sure you re-adjust the distributor to get the rotor on #1 again. Make sure you disconnect the vacuum advance hose and plug it to avoid leaks. The car should start at TDC if the cam and crank are properly aligned everything else being equal. Once you have it running adjust the timing to the specified mark.

Do yourself a favour and shitcan the points. Install a Pertronix and save your sanity. StuK

Reply to
Stuart&Janet

Bob, Just wondering your method of insuring you were at absolute Top Dead Center on your compression stroke?

I pull the #1 plug then stick my thumb over the spark plug hole and bump the starter until the compression pops my thumb off, At this point I insert a long plastic drinking straw into the cylinder (you could use a long plastic zip/wire tie, I like plastic cause it can't scratch or gouge threads, cylinder walls or piston tops) then I spin the crank by hand (with a socket and ratchet/breaker bar if needed) until my high tech plastic indicator reaches the top and starts back down, I move the crank back and forth to insure I am at absolute Top Dead Center. Works right every time. Now for inserting the distributor, there is not much space between the distributor gear teeth, it is quite easy to miss by one tooth. Be very observant and careful durring this part of the process. If your oil pump drive is leaning to far to one side to easily slip up into the distributor shaft you can stick a glob of grease between the low side of the hole and the oil pump drive shaft to hold it in the center.

Good Luck

Reply to
351CJ

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