• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Distributor problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter shewitt
  • Start date Start date Apr 2, 2005
S

shewitt

New Member
Aug 18, 2003
85
0
0
Newnan GA
Apr 2, 2005
#1
  • Apr 2, 2005
  • #1
I had taken out the distributor awhile back and marked everything but after a bit I changed the crank position. And when I put the distributor back in I thought I had it right but when I tried to check my timing and never saw the marks on the damper. So I set the crank at TDC and the rotor was pointing at the #3 not the 1 plug. So I pulled out the distributor and set the rotor at #1 but now I can’t get the car to start. I have heard that you could be at TDC for the intake stroke and it’s different for the exhaust stroke. Could this mean that I have to turn the rotor all the way around?
 

The Shape

Founding Member
Jan 11, 2002
2,224
8
49
East ARKANSAS Delta
Apr 2, 2005
#2
  • Apr 2, 2005
  • #2
Very possible. Best way to determine TDC is to pull the number one plug and stick your finger in the hole while turning the crank when you feel air push up you know you are on the compression stroke.
 
S

shewitt

New Member
Aug 18, 2003
85
0
0
Newnan GA
Apr 2, 2005
#3
  • Apr 2, 2005
  • #3
The thing is that i spent about 2 hours trying to line up the damper to tdc cuz of the supercharger install and the bigger radiator. No room to get a socket in there and im by myself trying to do this sucks to try to put my finger in #1 and fish my arm down to try to turn the crank. But does the TDC come by 2 times per stroke cuz it would be easy to pull the distributor and turn the rotor to the other side.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Apr 2, 2005
#4
  • Apr 2, 2005
  • #4
yeah, you can get a little air out the plug hole on the exhaust stroke too. do you have a helper (turning the crank from below can be easier).

good luck.
 
M

mjbtv

New Member
Apr 1, 2005
38
0
0
Apr 2, 2005
#5
  • Apr 2, 2005
  • #5
Bump the engine over using a remote start switch connected to your starter solenoid. When you feel the blast of air on no.1 make sure you know what direction your dampner is turning. Then finish the stroke by putting a socket on the dampner and turning in the same direction untill timing marks are right on. Now, you rotor should be at No. 1.
 

ALMOST STOCK

Founding Member
Sep 23, 2000
1,250
41
88
CA.
Apr 2, 2005
#6
  • Apr 2, 2005
  • #6
mjbtv said:
Bump the engine over using a remote start switch connected to your starter solenoid. When you feel the blast of air on no.1 make sure you know what direction your dampner is turning. Then finish the stroke by putting a socket on the dampner and turning in the same direction untill timing marks are right on. Now, you rotor should be at No. 1.
Click to expand...

That's exactly how I've always done it, and it seems to work ever time.
And now get ready for all of those who will say------- but/or?
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Apr 2, 2005
#7
  • Apr 2, 2005
  • #7
ALMOST STOCK said:
That's exactly how I've always done it, and it seems to work ever time.
And now get ready for all of those who will say------- but/or?
Click to expand...

It works for me...
That makes two of us, so it must be right....
 
S

shewitt

New Member
Aug 18, 2003
85
0
0
Newnan GA
Apr 4, 2005
#8
  • Apr 4, 2005
  • #8
I must have had it turned around i turned it back to the other side i had it on the wrong stroke. Now if I can only get rid of the idle surge I will be good.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
Resolved Weird sound coming from a freshly rebuilt 5.0L
  • karhoot
  • Jun 24, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
212
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jun 27, 2026
Mac131
Distributor installed wrong
  • djj62478
  • Jun 14, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
212
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 21, 2026
CAMTWO1070
L
Help with 1986 GT 5 Speed Please
  • Lcasada1999
  • Mar 20, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
268
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 21, 2026
CAMTWO1070
A
1987 5.0 speed density Foxbody crank no start
  • Alan2204
  • May 23, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
10
Views
320
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 30, 2026
Mcmahst
B
Electrical Why does my fox body keep frying eecs
  • brandyn200
  • Jun 20, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
8
Views
284
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jun 25, 2026
AeroCoupe
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?