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Topic: Firing Problem (Read 1912 times) previous topic - next topic

Firing Problem

Ok i have the firing order for the spark plug and the dist cap. I have a 1984 t-bird 3.8 liter.
My tfi module went out and i tok it out and the hall sensor fell apart due to age. So I went out and bought a new distributer since I am tired of messing with this. I get it and it doesnt look the same under the cap. caps will transfer from my old one but the rotor are different wayy different.
So anyways I put it in put it pretty much the same place where the other one was so the timing would be close.
I tried to start it and it seemed like the throttle body was working like the exaust. It blew exhaust and fire out of the throttle body and wouldnt start but it was firing.

Does it sound like my timing is off 180 degrees or something. How would I fix this just turn the Distributor around half a rotation??

Many thanks

Marc

Re: Firing Problem

Reply #1 –
If it's off by 180 you'll have to pull it out, turn the rotor 180, and reinsert it. It may not be off by 180, though - it could be advanced too far and firing the plugs while the intake valves are open
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

Re: Firing Problem

Reply #2 –
If you were given the wrong distributer that might be the problem. i dont know if the style with the push in rotor is interchangable with the screw in rotor style.

Re: Firing Problem

Reply #3 –
well i compared the 2 distributors and the only difference is on the very top of the distributor. They both take the same cap just different rotors. I know that the hall sensor is the same and the TFI module is the same. Heck even the gear on the bottom is the same. So I dont see why it wouldnt work.

So in other words it sounds like the timing is way off? Please get back to me!!! Thanks soooo much everyone!!!!

Re: Firing Problem

Reply #4 –
pull your number 1 spark plug and place your finger in the hole while a buddy is cranking the engine.  when your finger is blown out by the compression you will know that it is at top dead center of the compression stroke or....    line up your mark on the damper wheel and point your rotor at number one on the cap if it is still firing through the throttle body then you know your 180 off change it 180 degrees and it should run.  give that a try and let us know

Re: Firing Problem

Reply #5 –
ok so put my finger in the hole when he is turning over the car as in trying to start it??

Re: Firing Problem

Reply #6 –
More like against the hole (don't want anything squished), and just blip the engine over a bit at a time until you feel the air pressure try to escape around your finger. Just like shaking a pen 15e bottle with your thumb over the spout.
Death awaits you all with nasty, big, pointy teeth.

1988 5.0 Bird, mostly stock, partly not, now gone to T-Bird heaven.
1990 Volvo 740GL. 114 tire-shredding horsies, baby!

Re: Firing Problem

Reply #7 –
yep, base time the motor as described above then use a timing light.make sure you get the compression stroke and not the exhaust, compression pushes your finger with a lot of force, if your not sure you could always pull a valve cover to make sure the valves are closed. Good Luck!

Re: Firing Problem

Reply #8 –
Quote from: marcmdm
ok so put my finger in the hole when he is turning over the car as in trying to start it??


make sure you pull the coil wire...

Re: Firing Problem

Reply #9 –
what does the damper wheel look like??
i am sorry this is new to me!!

Re: Firing Problem

Reply #10 –
Damper wheel???

Re: Firing Problem

Reply #11 –
Quote from: greg wys
Damper wheel???


I think he ment harmonic balancer.
Needs to find the timing marks.
 

Re: Firing Problem

Reply #13 –
what are the chances of posting the same message at the same time as someone else?  priceless.....

Re: Firing Problem

Reply #14 –
Quote from: 88turbo
what are the chances of posting the same message at the same time as someone else?  priceless.....


 spooky!!!