Hello,

I remove the distributor out my '65 Dart to change engine mounts and "forget" to spot how it was mounted... I use to work on flat4 aircooled VW and there is a notch in the distributor drive.

I follow what the tech book said, but cannot start the car.

This is what I did.

Aligning the mark on the pulley with the "O" on the block to find #1 cylinder TDC

#1 cylinder valves are fully closed and inlet valve on #5 start to open. Is it right?


I put the distributor back with the rotor arm pointing 4h30 and set the plug wires to 1-5-3-6-2-4.
It backfires and don't start.
I'll check tomorrow with a rod through the spark plug hole on #1cylinder to check if I found the "good" TDC.

I also change points and condenser.

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Dodge Dart 270 4 doors

Looks like you have the procedure correct, when checking through the spark plug hole you may find the damper notch and timing tab are a little off so you may need to correct the setting.

From what you have done, if the damper is at "0", and the valves on #1 are closed "and" the rocker arms both wiggle (cam on the base circle). The distributor should be installed so that the rotor is facing the #1 spark plug tower if the cap were installed (roughly 4 o'clock but you will have to adjust).
Make sure that the spark plugs wires are installed correctly, starting at #1 and working clockwise 1-5-3-6-2-4.

-D.Idiot

Thanks Dusteridiot.

I'll try again tonight, Maybe I'm off a tooth on the distributor gear.

I planned to drive it this summer, but each time I feel everything is good to go, something happen .
I already patch weld the floorpan, change all the breaking system, fuel pump, water pump, ball joints, tie rod ends, idler arms, wheels bearings, rear u joint , tires, engine mounts, rebuilt the carb, service everything else etc.
I don't like to drive a car that rattles everywhere and it's not reliable but I would really like to take it for a cruise now.

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Dodge Dart 270 4 doors

You also may have it on #6 , as #1 and #6 pistons are both up at the same time. Re-check the valves on both #1 and #6 to see which one is really ready to fire. That is with some play between rocker and valve stem on both intake and exhaust.

Richard

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

It runs!

I correctly put the distributor in his location, but I was offset of one plug cable location. My cousin came to borrow a few stuff to work on a '52 Renault 4cv and showed me my mistake. It starts right up!

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Dodge Dart 270 4 doors

As much as it seems so little at the glance, being off one tower or one tooth can really sink your day if not aware of it.

Now get out there and drive it!

-D.Idiot