Plug wire placement

[Jim c]

Hi, I bought a rebuilt early model A4 online well 7 months and one heart attack later I finally have it installed and the engine did not come with any plug wires. I went to install plug wires and online all the all the plug wires are placed on the cap like in drawing A my cap like a in drawing B is rotated to the side and I'm just guessing we're number one is. My question is is there a easy way to find out the correct position of the plug wires on the distributor cap without having to tear apart the engine???

[Marian Claire]

I believe you need to find top dead center. Lots of posts about how to do this. With the engine at TDC take off the distributor cap and see where the rotor button is facing. It points to the wire that goes to the # 1 cylinder. Then go clockwise to #2 cylinder, #4 cylinder and then #3 cylinder.

Dan
S/V Marian Claire

[ndutton]

Seems like a good time to reference this thread:
https://www.moyermarineforum.com/for...ad.php?t=10870

[Surcouf]

damn.. i love that balloons thread!

This one is a little less scientific, but will work better
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ysFGcm8oNo&t=531s

[Sam]

Just a word of caution - The early model A4, up to about 1969 or so uses a prestolite/autolite distributor that has an oil cap that sticks out to one side. The distributor is removed by loosening the screw to the hold down clamp. The screw to loosen for timing adjustments is on the side of the distributor body. this is different than Delco distributors on later model A4's which is often referenced in posts, manuals etc. The point is after finding TDC on #1 cylinder you want to position the distributor placement in such a way that the oil cap has clearance and does not touch the block when you attempt time the engine by rotating the distributor clockwise/couterclockwise.

[W2ET]

Someone should find a hose barb whose threads match the threads on an A4 spark plug. Add Neil's balloon and voila!

Bill