I have just installed a Texas T distributor in my car and am trying to set the timing. I have followed their instructions but have a question. I set the #1 cylinder at top dead center. I rotated the distributor head clockwise until the points just opened as indicated with my meter (firing point). I marked the distributor at the rotor placement point. Here is my question. My firing point is dead center between 2 brass contact points in the distributor. My rotor turns counterclockwise, so does my #1 plug wire go to the position behind the rotor or the one coming up next? I hope this makes sense. Thanks for any help you can give.
If I'm reading right, no it doesn't make sense, the points opening to fire can't be 1/2 way between the brass plug posts in the cap, wrong cap.
May be best to start again, forget what your points are doing and put your rotor in line with your #1 wire post, then fine turn to get your firing point.
Thanks, that is what I thought. I am going back out this morning to start over.
And #1 is TDC on Compression, not Exhaust stroke? Not trying to be funny, I know someone who tried that. Best, jb
You need to re-mesh your gears !
Thanks for the responses. I figured it out this morning. Must have been too tired last night. Runs great now!
OK - Happy for you that the problem is solved. Now, to help others...maybe me, someday...what was wrong, and how did you fix the problem?
Dave
You should set the #1 piston on top dead center first, with both valves closed.
Then install the distributor with the rotor button pointing halfway between the Driver's side and engine front or at a 45 degree angle.
Then that will be about when #1 will fire and the distributor should be installed withe the clips facing the Driver side and passenger side, with the capacitor on the back.
Then, your #1 plug wire will go in the corresponding distributor cap position.
This arrangement will insure the fan blades will not hit the clips or capacitor.
David, I wish I knew what I did wrong last night. I used my meter last night and ended up with the rotor halfway between 2 contacts. Today I used a 12 volt test light instead and it ended up working perfectly. The car runs great, so I guess I have it right. This distributor stuff is new to me, and I must admit, confusing.
Oh well...
Just goes to prove that it is hard to keep a T in the sick bay....they really want to run (even with RDR's disturbutor ).
All's well that ends well, I guess.