The Ford Barn

FordFairlane55 · 11-02-2012, 06:59 PM

Replaced cap, rotor, condenser and plug wires. But did not pay attention to where the wires were (on distributor0 when I took it apart. So now it won't start.

This is 1957 312 (Y-block).

I know the firing order is 15486372.
Since the rotor turns counter-clockwise (viewed from above), I assume the plug wires go in the distributor in the counter-clockwise sequence to fire in that order, but where does it start on the distributor (relative to the cap mounting/locator indentation, which I would call 12 o'clock)?

The cap is not marked with any numbers and I haven't found the answer on the net. Where is #1?

Ronnie · 11-02-2012, 07:11 PM

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...eup54-59V8.htm

R

Dave72dt · 11-02-2012, 07:15 PM

Find your timing marks on the crank pulley. Set the crankshaft at TDC. Pull the cap off. Where the rotor is pointing is either No 1 or No 6. Run your wires. If it fires, you're golden. If it doesn't, it's 180 degrees off and No I will be on the opposite post. Or , you can pull No 1 plug, bring it up on compression stroke to TDC and that will be No 1 where the rotor is pointing.

Daves55Sedan · 11-03-2012, 01:40 AM

The distributor cap only goes on one way due to the notch in the bottom. So you are locked in to that position.
Now notice on the TOP (not the side) of the distributor cap the is a "1" raised letter. That indicates the tower where No 1 spark plug wire goes.
Knowing the firing order, you can now plug in all your wires.
I have NEVER had a distributor cap for a '55 that didn't have the raised number '1" on the top.

FordFairlane55 · 11-04-2012, 05:25 PM

Ronnie - Thanks, that is the diagram I was looking for.

Dave 72dt - Thanks. If the correct positions according to the diagram does
not solve the problem, I will use your outlined procedure.

Daves55Sedan - The mounting/locator indentation I referred to is aka the "notch".
I have done many a tune-up over the years, but this time failed to mark #1 before I pulled everything apart, and then I was interrupted for a day before I could get back to putting things together (and did not recall where I pulled #1 from).

If would nice if the cap was marked, but as I said it is not.
And yes they sell them this way.

I have no doubt your have never seen one unmarked on a 55.
But as I said, this is 312, 1957 engine. It takes a different cap.

rick55 · 11-04-2012, 05:44 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Late model caps are often not marked,(the same cap is used from 57-74) but locating number one depends where someone has dropped the distributor in, in the past. The surest method to find number one is to remove the 5-8 rocker cover. Turn the engine over by hand, until you notice number six valves are on the rock, exhaust just closing and intake opening. Number one will now be in firing position and the rotor will be pointing to number one on the distributor cap. It is usually alongside the clip which holds the cap down. Hope this helps.
Regards

FordFairlane55 · 11-05-2012, 08:37 PM

I think you identified the problem precisely.
I now have it running, with #1 in the position shown on the diagram
Ronnie provided (via web site ref) for #4.
So it is way off factory spec.
This engine was in the car when I bought it and it has been rebuilt.
So the builder must have installed the distributor in the wrong position.

While the engine now runs again, it is not any better after my
tune-up (yes I put in new plugs also).
At idle the engine speed goes up and down, almost dies when it goes down.
Checked the vacuum lines, replaced one but no difference.
Even tried another condenser.
Could this be associated with the distributor?

Should I pull the distributor out and try to reset it so #1 is in the
position on the diagram - or does that matter?

Thanks for your input.

Dave72dt · 11-05-2012, 09:12 PM

To be honest, it really doesn't matter which one of the cap posts is used for No 1. but for using the diagram for reference in the future should this occur again, I would pull it and put back in according to the diagram. You'll still need to use a timing light to get it set right.

GREENBIRD56 · 11-06-2012, 09:42 AM

Dave is exactly correct - the sequence of firing (and then timing) is the key issue that makes the engine run - not the particular position of #1. However.....

The original factory location of the distributor vacuum "pot" is often a desirable position - to allow adjustment of timing without interference (when using the hard vacuum lines) - and fitment of a plug wire set with specific lengths provided for the various cylinders that may only really work well in one general arrangement of #1.

I (and many others) have pulled many more than one distributor out over the years and "re-seated" it to get the vacuum pot - and the upper rotor shaft both pointed in the "right" direction, or at least to suit me. This may also involve turning the oil pump drive shaft a slight amount to complement the "new" rotor position - the number of teeth on the gear - and the six flats of the pump shaft may have to be "phased" properly to get the distributor to seat correctly. This isn't difficult - you just need to know what to do when it won't drop. I usually just tape some 1/4 drive extensions together and use a small OD deep well 1/4 or 5/16 socket (can't ever remember on the first try) to turn the pump shaft where I want it. This isn't too difficult - more a function of "holding your mouth right".

11-02-2012, 07:11 PM	#2
Ronnie Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Canada Where it snows Posts: 2,058	Re: Where is No. 1 on the distributor? http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...eup54-59V8.htm R

11-02-2012, 07:15 PM	#3
Dave72dt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: SW WI Posts: 359	Re: Where is No. 1 on the distributor? Find your timing marks on the crank pulley. Set the crankshaft at TDC. Pull the cap off. Where the rotor is pointing is either No 1 or No 6. Run your wires. If it fires, you're golden. If it doesn't, it's 180 degrees off and No I will be on the opposite post. Or , you can pull No 1 plug, bring it up on compression stroke to TDC and that will be No 1 where the rotor is pointing.

11-04-2012, 05:25 PM	#5
FordFairlane55 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 25	Re: Where is No. 1 on the distributor? Ronnie - Thanks, that is the diagram I was looking for. Dave 72dt - Thanks. If the correct positions according to the diagram does not solve the problem, I will use your outlined procedure. Daves55Sedan - The mounting/locator indentation I referred to is aka the "notch". I have done many a tune-up over the years, but this time failed to mark #1 before I pulled everything apart, and then I was interrupted for a day before I could get back to putting things together (and did not recall where I pulled #1 from). If would nice if the cap was marked, but as I said it is not. And yes they sell them this way. I have no doubt your have never seen one unmarked on a 55. But as I said, this is 312, 1957 engine. It takes a different cap.

11-05-2012, 08:37 PM	#7
FordFairlane55 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 25	Re: Where is No. 1 on the distributor? I think you identified the problem precisely. I now have it running, with #1 in the position shown on the diagram Ronnie provided (via web site ref) for #4. So it is way off factory spec. This engine was in the car when I bought it and it has been rebuilt. So the builder must have installed the distributor in the wrong position. While the engine now runs again, it is not any better after my tune-up (yes I put in new plugs also). At idle the engine speed goes up and down, almost dies when it goes down. Checked the vacuum lines, replaced one but no difference. Even tried another condenser. Could this be associated with the distributor? Should I pull the distributor out and try to reset it so #1 is in the position on the diagram - or does that matter? Thanks for your input.

11-05-2012, 09:12 PM	#8
Dave72dt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: SW WI Posts: 359	Re: Where is No. 1 on the distributor? To be honest, it really doesn't matter which one of the cap posts is used for No 1. but for using the diagram for reference in the future should this occur again, I would pull it and put back in according to the diagram. You'll still need to use a timing light to get it set right.

11-02-2012, 06:59 PM	#1
FordFairlane55 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 25	Where is No. 1 on the distributor? Replaced cap, rotor, condenser and plug wires. But did not pay attention to where the wires were (on distributor0 when I took it apart. So now it won't start. This is 1957 312 (Y-block). I know the firing order is 15486372. Since the rotor turns counter-clockwise (viewed from above), I assume the plug wires go in the distributor in the counter-clockwise sequence to fire in that order, but where does it start on the distributor (relative to the cap mounting/locator indentation, which I would call 12 o'clock)? The cap is not marked with any numbers and I haven't found the answer on the net. Where is #1?

11-03-2012, 01:40 AM	#4
Daves55Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Granite City, Illinois Posts: 3,008	Re: Where is No. 1 on the distributor? The distributor cap only goes on one way due to the notch in the bottom. So you are locked in to that position. Now notice on the TOP (not the side) of the distributor cap the is a "1" raised letter. That indicates the tower where No 1 spark plug wire goes. Knowing the firing order, you can now plug in all your wires. I have NEVER had a distributor cap for a '55 that didn't have the raised number '1" on the top.

11-06-2012, 09:42 AM	#9
GREENBIRD56 Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 55	Re: Where is No. 1 on the distributor? Dave is exactly correct - the sequence of firing (and then timing) is the key issue that makes the engine run - not the particular position of #1. However..... The original factory location of the distributor vacuum "pot" is often a desirable position - to allow adjustment of timing without interference (when using the hard vacuum lines) - and fitment of a plug wire set with specific lengths provided for the various cylinders that may only really work well in one general arrangement of #1. I (and many others) have pulled many more than one distributor out over the years and "re-seated" it to get the vacuum pot - and the upper rotor shaft both pointed in the "right" direction, or at least to suit me. This may also involve turning the oil pump drive shaft a slight amount to complement the "new" rotor position - the number of teeth on the gear - and the six flats of the pump shaft may have to be "phased" properly to get the distributor to seat correctly. This isn't difficult - you just need to know what to do when it won't drop. I usually just tape some 1/4 drive extensions together and use a small OD deep well 1/4 or 5/16 socket (can't ever remember on the first try) to turn the pump shaft where I want it. This isn't too difficult - more a function of "holding your mouth right".