Help! Distributor! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dadsgreentruck · 02-22-2010, 05:29 PM

I replaced the points module in my Mallory dual point distributor with an e-spark module this weekend. Now the truck won't start. I don't think it's the module because I have spark. I think I've goofed up the timing somehow. Here's what I did:

1) Set engine to TDC compression (stuff rag in #1 spark plug hole, bump starter till it pops out, turn by hand to align marks on balancer to 0 degrees).

2) Remove distributor, do conversion

3) Re-stab distributor. Line up rotor with #1 tower on cap. tighten clamp (slightly).

4) Replace cap.

You would think that a timing light would show the mark on the balancer in the vicinity of where it's supposed to be while cranking the engine over, but it's not visible anywhere. I also tried putting the pickup on the wire for #6 thinking I might be 180 out, but no luck there either.

What am I missing here...?

Tim

68gmsee · 02-22-2010, 05:36 PM

Are you checking the spark at the plug end? If you're getting spark to all the plugs you still have a timing alignment issue.

I bet if you go back and double check the #1 is at TDC, insure your timing marks haven't moved, recheck the rotor pointing to #1, etc. you'll find out what the problem is.

If you're getting spark and it was running before, sometimes it helps to just back away and redo it.

68gmsee · 02-22-2010, 05:37 PM

Forgot to add: also check the rotation of the rotor and firing order just for kicks.

dadsgreentruck · 02-22-2010, 06:56 PM

Gosh, I have checked this thing about 6 times now. I *know* it's lined up. It's got to at least be close. Tonight if I have time, I will pull the distributor again and have a look at that module. It seems to me when I was re-assembling it that the vacuum advance can could be installed right side up or upside down. Depending on which way it goes in, the pickup plate would be rotated somewhat. Maybe I installed it the wrong way.

Tim

dadsgreentruck · 02-23-2010, 12:08 PM

Just to close this so nobody is wondering...

After getting the continuity checker out, it turns out that what I had marked as number 1, wasn't number 1 after all. It was number 3! Everything was two towers off! Fixed it and she fired right up. Just goes to show that you can't assume that wire you are tugging on really goes where you think it does.

Sinister · 02-23-2010, 12:14 PM

Glad it worked out for you.

02-22-2010, 05:36 PM	#2
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Help! Distributor! Are you checking the spark at the plug end? If you're getting spark to all the plugs you still have a timing alignment issue. I bet if you go back and double check the #1 is at TDC, insure your timing marks haven't moved, recheck the rotor pointing to #1, etc. you'll find out what the problem is. If you're getting spark and it was running before, sometimes it helps to just back away and redo it.

02-22-2010, 05:37 PM	#3
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Help! Distributor! Forgot to add: also check the rotation of the rotor and firing order just for kicks.

02-22-2010, 06:56 PM	#4
dadsgreentruck Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 63	Re: Help! Distributor! Gosh, I have checked this thing about 6 times now. I know it's lined up. It's got to at least be close. Tonight if I have time, I will pull the distributor again and have a look at that module. It seems to me when I was re-assembling it that the vacuum advance can could be installed right side up or upside down. Depending on which way it goes in, the pickup plate would be rotated somewhat. Maybe I installed it the wrong way. Tim __________________ 1970 C10 LWB with SB 307 & TH350

02-23-2010, 12:08 PM	#5
dadsgreentruck Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 63	Re: Help! Distributor! Just to close this so nobody is wondering... After getting the continuity checker out, it turns out that what I had marked as number 1, wasn't number 1 after all. It was number 3! Everything was two towers off! Fixed it and she fired right up. Just goes to show that you can't assume that wire you are tugging on really goes where you think it does. __________________ 1970 C10 LWB with SB 307 & TH350

02-22-2010, 05:29 PM	#1
dadsgreentruck Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 63	Help! Distributor! I replaced the points module in my Mallory dual point distributor with an e-spark module this weekend. Now the truck won't start. I don't think it's the module because I have spark. I think I've goofed up the timing somehow. Here's what I did: 1) Set engine to TDC compression (stuff rag in #1 spark plug hole, bump starter till it pops out, turn by hand to align marks on balancer to 0 degrees). 2) Remove distributor, do conversion 3) Re-stab distributor. Line up rotor with #1 tower on cap. tighten clamp (slightly). 4) Replace cap. You would think that a timing light would show the mark on the balancer in the vicinity of where it's supposed to be while cranking the engine over, but it's not visible anywhere. I also tried putting the pickup on the wire for #6 thinking I might be 180 out, but no luck there either. What am I missing here...? Tim __________________ 1970 C10 LWB with SB 307 & TH350

02-23-2010, 12:14 PM	#6
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Help! Distributor! Glad it worked out for you. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...



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