no. 1 plug wire

[Anonymous-0]

I know this is going to sound dumb,but this is my first ferguson.which one of the four holes in the distributor is no.1.the plug wires were cut when I got it,and they were not marked in the distributor.it's a '51 to-20.a picture would do the trick.I know it's dumb but I need to know,cw

 

[Anonymous-0]

Remove the spark plugs. Turn it over until it comes up on compression on #1 cylinder. Pop the top off the distributor, the rotor will be pointing at #1.

Gerald J.

 

[Bob (Aust)]

As Gerald says.

I think you will find No 1 plug position is at approximately the 10 o'clock on the distributor.

Firing order 1 - 3 - 4 - 2.

 

[Branlin]

(quoted from post at 22:29:16 12/11/07) I know this is going to sound dumb,but this is my first ferguson.which one of the four holes in the distributor is no.1.the plug wires were cut when I got it,and they were not marked in the distributor.it's a '51 to-20.a picture would do the trick.I know it's dumb but I need to know,cw

n my TO-20, the number one plug wire is at the 7:00 position on the distributor. (This may vary a bit depending on where the timing is set, but shouldn't be off much.)

 

[phil(va)]

Position varies. Do what Gerald says.

 

[gshadel]

Actually, this is not a dumb question has come up several times, there is no actual # 1 location on the distributor itself, it is just a round set of contact points that is driven by a gear, not a slot, as on some other engines, so the distributor can be installed with your # 1 plug on any distributor post. The firing order, 1-3-4-2 is essential though. Do as Gerald says to find # 1 position on your TO. To clarify, turn your engine so the # 1 piston is at the top of the compression stroke. Best way to do that is pull the # 1 spark plug, turn the engine with your thumb over the plug hole. When you feel pressure from the compression stroke, watch the piston until it just does hit the top of that stoke. That is your # 1 spark location. Your rotor will be under the # 1 plug wire post on the distributor cap. Simple Huh?
If you don't like that position for some reason, just pull the distributor out, turn as you wish & re-insert, while the engine is still at the top of the compression stage for your # 1 cylinder.

I've got mine turned so the wire from the coil to the distributor connects on the same side as the coil, that's what works for me.

George

 

[Anonymous-0]

thanks guys.

 

[Bob (Aust)]

Apologies - didn't realise the Continental distributor was gear driven. My TEA20 (Standard engine) had a quill and slot drive for the distributor and they all seem to end up in the same position. :?

As I said - do as Gerald says!