Spark plug wiring diagram (firing order)

[thatz4u]

http://www.offroaders.com/tech/V8-engine-firing-order.htm

[fatkidd]

thanks, Al.
I like that they actually have the location of #1 on the cap and the direction that the distributor rotates.

[Force]

Actually the #1 on the cap isn't that important as long as you get near, it depends on how you get the distributor down when you mount it so if its one terminal to either side of the theoretical 1 is close enough,

When you put down the distributor on a V8 you try go get clearance for the vacuum advance so you can adjust the timing as much as possible and it's not allways you get it as it should be according to these diagrams, as long as you can get the spark lead you want it will work.

[southpier]

http://public.fotki.com/wackydave/model_cars/diorama_details/wiring_diagrams/

http://www.thehotrodcompany.com/blog/post/1946-1948-Ford-Flathead-Spark-Plug-Wiring.aspx

[Ace-Garageguy]

Actually the #1 on the cap isn't that important as long as you get near, it depends on how you get the distributor down when you mount it so if its one terminal to either side of the theoretical 1 is close enough,

When you put down the distributor on a V8 you try go get clearance for the vacuum advance so you can adjust the timing as much as possible and it's not allways you get it as it should be according to these diagrams, as long as you can get the spark lead you want it will work.

You can put the distributor in any old way you want and number "one" on the cap becomes the terminal the distributor rotor happens to be pointing to when #1 cylinder is at TDC firing position (as long as the distributor shaft engages the oil-pump drive). All you have to to from there is to get the rest of the wires in the proper sequence ("firing order").

As Force says, you just need to allow sufficient swing or rotation room on the distributor housing so you can set the timing without having the vacuum advance can (if the engine even has one) interfering with something.

Simple as that sounds, I've seen "mechanics" crank and crank and crank an engine for hours, with it popping and spitting out the intake...scratching their heads like chimps and mindlessly swapping wires around. Sometimes, it's really a good idea to actually UNDERSTAND what you're doing.

Edited November 22, 2014 by Ace-Garageguy

[Force]

I couldn't agree more,

When I start up an engine wich has been appart or if the distributor has been out I usually turn the engine to about 10 degrees before TDC or something like that, take the number 1 wire and put in a loose sparkplug and hold it against something so you get ground, turn on the ignition and turn the distributor until you get a spark and fasten it there, put the number 1 wire back on the spark plug in the cylinder head and when you start the engine it will run smoothly the first time...it works every time without spluttering or backfires...if you have the firing order correct that is.
After that I adjust the timing properly with the light.

Edited November 23, 2014 by Force

[blunc]

I couldn't agree more,

When I start up an engine wich has been appart or if the distributor has been out I usually turn the engine to about 10 degrees before TDC or something like that, take the number 1 wire and put in a loose sparkplug and hold it against something so you get ground, turn on the ignition and turn the distributor until you get a spark and fasten it there, put the number 1 wire back on the spark plug in the cylinder head and when you start the engine it will run smoothly the first time...it works every time without spluttering or backfires...if you have the firing order correct that is.

After that I adjust the timing properly with the light.

could have not typed it better myself. BRAVO!