Distributor in or out when setting the timing by hand

BIISIKK520

MEMBER
1991 CADILLAC DEVILLE
4.9L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

I replaced the distributor, I made sure the rotor was in same spot. Went to start it didn't want to start. I don't know what I did wrong, but now I want to time it by hand, no light. Do I keep the distributor in or pull it when I do it? Can you tell me the proper way of doing this?
Thank you

1 Reply

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good evening

Why did you replace the distributor?

You need to bring up number 1 cylinder to top dead center compression. Make sure the mark on the crank lines up on the scale.

Then drop the distributor n and line up the rotor with number 1.

You will then need a timing light to set the timing.

Roy

NOTE: To ensure correct timing of the distributor, the distributor must be installed with the rotor correctly positioned as noted. If the engine was accidentally cranked after the distributor was removed, the following procedure can be used for installing.

A. Remove the number 1 spark plug.
B. Place finger over the number 1 spark plug hole and crank engine slowly until compression is felt.
C. Align timing mark on pulley to "0" on engine timing indicator.
D. Turn rotor to point between number 1 and number 8 spark plug towers on the distributor cap.

8. Install the distributor.

9. Install distributor hold-down clamp and distributor clamp bolt. Tighten clamp bolt to 36 Nm (27 lb. Ft.).

10. Install rotor in the same position at which it was removed.

11. If removed, install the secondary wires from cap, wiring harness latches and wiring harness retainer.

12. Connect four terminal ECM harness to distributor.

13. Connect ignition feed wire.

14. Install distributor cap and spark plug wires.

15. Check engine timing.