#1 plug wire location on distributor

[lowride728]

I have a 1941 Chrysler flathead 6 cylinder. Where does the #1 spark plug wire connect to the distributor? There are 2 hold down clamps on the distributor to hold the distributor cap on (right clamp and left clamp). Does the #1 plug wire connect to distributor cap above the left clamp or below it? I do not see a good picture of this in the repair manual. It lists firing order but not location of plugs on distributor cap.

 

Thank you!

[Don Coatney]

If and only if your distributor is indexed correctly number one should be near the 7 O'clock position. Best way to make that determination is to bring cylinder #1 to top dead center and note the position of the rotor. 

[Plymouthy Adams]

if correctly timed to the oil pump, it will be approx. 7 o'clock position..if however a PO or other mechanic action in the past has altered this...then you will need to reaffirm this tower location by setting on top dead center number one piston and go from there

 

as an added note, if you do not have a service manual on your car I recommend getting one, it is by far one of the best tools to have in your inventory

Edited March 28, 2016 by Plymouthy Adams

[lowride728]

thanks for the help! I went back to the repair manual and see I may have been doing it wrong.

[Stevenlesser]

You can find top dead center on the number one cylinder by pulling the spark plug at #1 and spinning the engine till you feel the air squirting out you can stick a pencil down and feel the top of the piston

If the heads off , its when the #1 Pistons at the top and both valves are closed

Now pull the dizzy cap off and look at where the rotor is pointing

It's to number 1 !its usually at the 7 o'clock position not exactly straight down

So put the cap on again and remember where it was pointing and that's where your first plug wire goes and attach it to the number. One plug closest to the water pump

Then follow your Mopar firing order 1,5,and attach the #5 wire ,etc the orders on your smart phone and you had to know it to get on the forum ! If you get it wrong it won't hurt anything but your pride if right you'll have wind in you windsor

[Don Coatney]

You can find top dead center on the number one cylinder by pulling the spark plug at #1 and spinning the engine till you feel the air squirting out you can stick a pencil down and feel the top of the piston

If the heads off , its when the #1 Pistons at the top and both valves are closed

Now pull the dizzy cap off and look at where the rotor is pointing

It's to number 1 !its usually at the 7 o'clock position not exactly straight down

So put the cap on again and remember where it was pointing and that's where your first plug wire goes and attach it to the number. One plug closest to the water pump

Then follow your Mopar firing order 1,5,and attach the #5 wire ,etc the orders on your smart phone and you had to know it to get on the forum ! If you get it wrong it won't hurt anything but your pride if right you'll have wind in you windsor

The spark plug hole is on top of the intake valve not on top of the piston.

 

[Plymouthy Adams]

to gauge the position of number one TDC you have to use the sister throw on the crank #6 via the access plug located on the head above #6 piston..