How do I set up the distributor correctly

[scarecrow]

I really need to buy a Bentley/Hanes manual but from what information I have found online I need to find tdc cylinder 1. Adjust distributor to get the line on the edge of it to line up with the rotor. Does that sound correct? I pulled the plugs to inspect them and they were e3 spark plugs and they were extremely fouled. I picked up a set of Bosch copper plugs and they are now gapped to .25

[thebutterson]

You've got the right start. With #1 at TDC the center of the rotor should line up with the mark on the distributor. At this point the vacuum canister should also be facing the fuse box or the drivers side strut. The firing order is 1 3 4 2, so when you put the cap back on #1 goes where the rotor is pointing and the rest go in firing order counter clockwise. From there you can unplug the vacuum line to the distributor, get the engine warm and advance the timing to your liking or to factory specs.

[scarecrow]

Ok I have the distributor properly set up. The Vacuum canister is facing the front of the car not towards the fuse box. New plugs installed and car cranks and cranks and then there is a back fire after cranking is stopped.

[scarecrow]

Previous owner has also messed with the afm. The wheel was adjusted so the arrow was moved 3/4 of the way to the left instead of all the way to the right. moved it back. Not sure how much tension should be on the spring.

[rommaster2]

It sounds to me like you do not have the distributor timed correctly, especially if the vacuum canister plug is facing the front of the car. Did you verify that the engine was at TDC and then also check to make sure the rotor was facing the #1 plug?

[hahaitzskippy]

You've got the right start. With #1 at TDC the center of the rotor should line up with the mark on the distributor. At this point the vacuum canister should also be facing the fuse box or the drivers side strut. The firing order is 1 3 4 2, so when you put the cap back on #1 goes where the rotor is pointing and the rest go in firing order counter clockwise. From there you can unplug the vacuum line to the distributor, get the engine warm and advance the timing to your liking or to factory specs.

not all distributors spin the same way. make sure you know which way your dizzy is spinning before you plug your leads.

[hahaitzskippy]

It sounds to me like you do not have the distributor timed correctly, especially if the vacuum canister plug is facing the front of the car. Did you verify that the engine was at TDC and then also check to make sure the rotor was facing the #1 plug?

i think the most important question is

how do you determine TDC if there are no markings on your pulley and the dizzy was previously tampered with?

[thebutterson]

There's a mark on the cam that will line up with a boss on the head that is directly beneath the oil tube. I forget if e30's have marks on the flywheel, but you can look through the hole in the transmission to see a mark.

[hahaitzskippy]

There's a mark on the cam that will line up with a boss on the head that is directly beneath the oil tube. I forget if e30's have marks on the flywheel, but you can look through the hole in the transmission to see a mark.

AHH right! i knew that... its been a while since i worked on my e30...

remind me again, which way does the engine rotate? you know, turning the pulley by hand, which way do i turn if i were to stare straight at it (front of car looking towards the back).