Timberland237

I had a head job done since one of the valve stems was broken and changed the rod bearing etc. I re-installed it and set the timing etc and it won't start it just turns over. In the book it says that when piston #1 is at tdc the distributor cap should be pointing at the #1 plug but it points at the number four and it would basically be impossible for it to point at the #1 cause it only goes in one way. Any help would be appreciated i need the get the car on the road.

Syndacate

When piston one is at TDC I think the correct ignition timing is 12 advance +/- 2 - though set it with a timing light as the ignition timing changes depending on the life/condition of the engine.

hondamark35

yeah i needs to point at the #1 position.

did you happen to set your cam timing when you reinstalled the head... i noticed you didn't mention that. put the crank at TDC on #1. this will be the lone mark on the pulley not the set of three.

when you have it at this position the cam gear should have an arrow that says "UP" pointing upward and markings sitting flush with the head were the valve cover seals. if it's not you need to get it there, your cam is out of time.

Timberland237

Yeah i set the crank to TDC and the head with the up pointing up and the two timing marks parallel. But the distributor cap never points to the #1 wire position it's technically impossible since the distributor only fits in one way. I'm totally stumped.

hondamark35

let's see... you didn't happen to take the rotor off in the distributor did you? on some of them the rotor will go in 180 deg from the right pos. which is what you have.

hondamark35

oh, it may be redundant since you already know the cam gear is right but all the rocker arms should be loose when it's at TDC. you should be able to feel play in all of them when you try to move them.

Timberland237

i didn't touch it but maybe somebody else didi before i bought the car, but i did happen to think of that so i could always check that out too. Your info is much appreciated. It would make sense to why it would never point at the number 1. Is it hard to fix??

hondamark35

the rotor? no, its just a philips head screw and some tugging to get it off. be very very careful not to strip that screw though. it's on pretty tight. i would suggest a good quality screwdriver of the right size and firm, downward pressure when you turn. and you'll need to bump the starter over to get the screw where you can get to it. or turn the crank with a wratchet and a 17mm socket.