where should distributor rotor be pointed for #1 cylinder can not find timing mark on crank pulley

[Mark G]

good evening all I'am putting new spark pug wires on the engine where should the rotor be pointed for # 1 cylinder on the cap I can't seem to find the timing mark on the crank pulley{ is it a notch I should be looking for}? its a 1946 WC pick up flat 6cyl engine  

[Merle Coggins]

Some say the rotor should point to the 7 O’Clock position at #1 TDC, but it all depends on how the oil pump and distributor was installed by the previous person. It could be pointing anywhere. Use some sandpaper, emery cloth, or Scotch-Brite pad to clean off the rust and crust on the outer edge of your crank pulley or damper to expose the timing marks. They are stamped in, but not easy to see without a good cleaning. 

[Los_Control]

Tis true .... needs to be on TDC when the oil pump is installed.

The oil pump is geared, can be 1 tooth off or several teeth off. .... Some installers never bother to put it on TDC first.

 

There is a pipe plug over #6 cylinder, this will help you find TDC.

I just put #6 at TDC compression stroke using the pipe plug .... then run my wires starting from 6 instead of 1.

 

7:0'clock is correct position for #1 plug wire .... mine is at 6 0'clock .... oil pump is 1 tooth off.

[Mark G]

where is this pipe plug you mentioned

[billrigsby]

Circled......

[Mark G]

thanks Bill just wanted to be sure

[Mark G]

another #6 pipe plug question is this checking that the valves are closed just trying to understand why everyone seems to like this method help me understand  thanks

[Los_Control]

The pipe plug is located over the piston .... you can measure the travel of the piston & find TDC.

You pull a spark plug out, is located over the valves .... Zero help on finding piston travel.

 

Just a heads up. When I removed my pipe plug .... the hole was blocked with carbon.

I used a nail like any carpenter would do & removed the carbon from the hole.

 

The hard piece of carbon was bouncing around in the cylinder & eventually made it's way to the exhaust valve where it was pounding on the seats for several seconds,  before it got sucked out the exhaust.

 

My wife happened to be standing there for that performance. .... She said .... Wow that sounds weird!

 

Just saying, Do not be me .... if the plug is solid with carbon, pull the head & remove the carbon .... do not punch it through & see what happens.

[Mark G]

thanks that cleared it up great story mine was clear and I had pretty low compression so I'v been oiling the cylinders with PB Blaster oil trans fluid connection to help free up the rings which actually worked back out to the garage tomorrow to see if this old truck will start I added fresh fuel in it today itI made some smoke but the timing is still off thank again