<VV> Fw: Finding TDC on the compression stroke

[J R Read_HML]

OK... other than # 1 can be anywhere on the distributor (a separate 
conversation), does anyone see a problem with this (non-scientific approach) 
to getting the distributor to send fire to the right places at the right 
time?

It was sent a few days ago - direct.

Later, JR


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "J R Read_HML" <hmlinc at sbcglobal.net>
To: "Charles Lee" <chaz at ProperProPer.com>
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 11:28 PM
Subject: Re: <VV> Finding TDC on the compression stroke


> Well - Get # 1 at the top - don't worry about which stroke it is on.  The 
> distributor will only go in one of two ways - there is a slot on the end 
> of it.  Put it in so that the rotor is pointing roughly to the 5oclock 
> position (from behind the car) and/or the 7 oclock position (from the 
> right side). Connect up all the wiring (per your diagram) and see if it 
> will start.  You have a 50 - 50 chance that it will.
>
> If it gives a bunch of backfires (and probably spitting out the carbs), 
> you have it inserted 180 degrees out of sync with the cam so you have to 
> pull it back out and turn it 1/2 turn and put it back in.  Should start 
> this time. Might have to play with advance - retard a bit at that point in 
> order to get it to run smoothly.  I recommend that you tighten the nut (or 
> is it a bolt?) which holds the distributor in place tight enough to hold 
> it in place while the engine is running, but not so tight that you can't 
> bump it to make it move a bit (say 2 or 3 degrees at a time) in order to 
> change the timing.
>
> It is also possible to be one plug wire off even when you are close.  So, 
> if it is not starting you might have to move the wires one hole over all 
> the way around the distributor cap - and then put the timing back toward 
> the middle for another try.
>
> The pictures I sent of an installed distributor should be of help.  I have 
> a fair amount of advance in mine, so you might not want so much to start 
> with. The vacuum pod maybe should not be quite so close to the coil as 
> mine is - at least to start out.
>
> Good luck.
>
> Later, JR
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Charles Lee" <chaz at ProperProPer.com>
> To: "'J R Read_HML'" <hmlinc at sbcglobal.net>
> Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 10:52 PM
> Subject: RE: <VV> Finding TDC on the compression stroke
>
>
>> Yes, the distributor has been removed and with it, its original
>> orientation !
>>
>> I've pulled the right valve cover and examined the valves in BOTH
>> possible TDC positions, but can see little difference.
>>
>> My latest gambit was to "remote start" the engine with the compression
>> gauge attached, and watch for it to bump up to 120 or so.
>> It does this, but then I lost daylight and will have to see it do this
>> every-other-TDC when the sun comes back up.
>>
>> That should get me in the ballpark of which TDC I want, right ?
>>
>> Then install the distributor to point, um, where ?  The manual says
>> point it to the crank pulley.
>>
>> I thought I had heard that #1 wire points directly to #1 cylinder
>> (plug), but I have not heard that lately.  Is that wrong ?
>>
>> I'll try again in the morning.  My head hurts !
>>
>> Thanks for all the insight !
>> Charlie
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: J R Read_HML [mailto:hmlinc at sbcglobal.net]
>> Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 8:20 PM
>> To: VirtualVairs AA; Charles Lee
>> Subject: Re: <VV> Finding RDC on the compression stroke
>>
>>
>> Try this:
>>
>> http://www.wikihow.com/Find-Your-Engine's-Top-Dead-Center-(TDC)
>>
>> If you are really unsure, you could also pull off the right valve cover
>> and
>> watch the motion of the valves on # 1 cylinder.
>>
>> You've not had the distributor out, right?  By now you should have a
>> pretty
>> good idea of where #1 likely is on the distributor.  So, pull the cap
>> and
>> watch the rotor in conjunction with watching the valves.
>>
>> I think you might have a hard time stopping the engine at the right spot
>>
>> using the starter.
>>
>> Later, JR
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Charles Lee" <chaz at ProperProPer.com>
>> To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
>> Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 9:43 PM
>> Subject: <VV> Finding RDC on the compression stroke
>>
>>
>>> Tomorrow, I'm going to hook up the gauge and crank with the remote
>>> start until I see compression. That should only happen on every-other
>>> TDC, right ?
>>>
>>> Exhaust TDC will not show a spike in compression, but the compression
>>> stroke will ?
>>>
>>> Without blowing out my eardrums, although your idea is clever, I must
>>> admit.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Charlie
>>>
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>>
>