Thanks to all for the replies. To index the rotor to 10 deg before TDC you actually have to lift the entire distributor to disengage the gear on the shaft and rotate the shaft a tooth at a time for accuracy - but the distributor itself has to remain in the same position. It's no problem to get the rotor 10 deg before TDC but then the infamous notches don't line up. I'm about ready to grind the little hold-down bolt off so I can rotate the distributor like a NORMAL one. I just don't know how valid the notch requirement is. I think I know why the DuraSpark III was sort of short lived. I guess I'm too old school, if #1 is TDC, the rotor should be ready to fire #1. I guess the crank position sensor must play a larger part then I can comprehend.
I have been working on my '83 Cougar LS for 3 years and I'm down to the last issue - I hope. I have the Dura Spark III ignition system (brown grommet) - most all new components. For those familiar with this system, the distributor position is fixed and cannot be rotated by loosening the hold-down bolt. Apparently with this system you are supposed to line up the notch in the distributor shaft (with rotor off) with a notch in the distributor housing to give the computer a point of reference. The crank position is signalled by the crank position sensor. My problem is that when the notches are lined up (with this fixed-position distributor) and #1 piston is TDC, the #1 contact on the tiered rotor is about 130 deg before firing #1 not the standard 10 deg. I'm fairly certain the crank and cam are in the right positions - Any ideas? Any help is much appreciated.
