View Single Post
  #15   IP: 97.93.70.7
Old 10-17-2019, 10:57 AM
Dave Neptune Dave Neptune is online now
Afourian MVP, Professor Emeritus
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Grove, Oklahoma
Posts: 5,035
Thanks: 711
Thanked 1,289 Times in 839 Posts
Splash, the timing, alternator and starter are 3 separate systems.

First, the starter. The bendix could be sticking from dirt or lack of lubrication and/or a weak battery (connection) not twisting the bendix fast enough to force the gear out into the flywheel. This can also be form a weak solenoid. And if the battery is low that may be all it is.

Second, if the alt is in place it may be easier to just remove it if it is in the way. You can start and run the engine for a while without it.

Third, timing. With all 4 plugs removed and a bit of spray oil into each cylinder you should be able to rotate the engine by hand. I could move mine by hand with the accessory drive, a strap wrench like for an oil filter will work too. Now rotate the engine until the flywheel pin is horizontal. Now place your thumb over the desired cylinder 1 or 4. With your thumb over the plug hole rotate the engine the last 90 degrees and you will feel your thumb being pushed off the hole if on compression and nothing if on the exhaust stroke.

Fourth, now you have the compression stroke figured and it's time to drop in the distributor to your desired reference position and line up the #1 or #4 cap post to the rotor and y'er ready to play.

One step at a time. No pun intended.

Dave Neptune
Reply With Quote