250 setting new distributer and timing.

[mehoff400]

please excuse my dumb questions but total newb with timing. so just installed my new motor and my first time doing timing. i got the motor at TDC i am assuming i need to have the cap and rotor located at #1 plug wire to get a rough timing?

[TJ's Chevy]

Yep! In the ball park anyhow. Whatever the original number one terminal was is where I would set it. Then it's moving the dizzy back and forth and using the light from there.

[jtrichard]

As long as you are at #1 "FIRING" TDC yes .....if not you will be 180 out

[Patastump]

Ok I'm having the same problem...lol... And yes I'm a newb when you say "Be 180 out" what do you need to do to fix? ... Spent a lot of time on the motor and just at whits end... Everyone keeps telling me it's the timing... But no one will explain to me how to fix the problem just that it's out of timing
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[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by Patastump

Ok I'm having the same problem...lol... And yes I'm a newb when you say "Be 180 out" what do you need to do to fix? ... Spent a lot of time on the motor and just at whits end... Everyone keeps telling me it's the timing... But no one will explain to me how to fix the problem just that it's out of timing
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Being 180 out means your on TDC for the Intake stroke instead of TDC for the power stroke. And you can be 180 out in several other ways. A 4 stroke engine has an Intake Stroke, Compression Stroke, Power Stroke, and Exhaust stroke. You'll want to be on the Power Stroke TDC to set the firing order which would mean you'll turn the engine over watching the intake and exhaust valves....when the intake valve Opens the piston is at or around the top of the cylinder....then as the intake valve closes the cylinder is going Down and then coming back Up. While Both valves are closed the piston is coming back Up Compressing the fuel and once the piston is at the top...your at TDC and you can set timing. You'll have to use a screw driver or something to help you see that the piston is all the way up. You can also go to Youtube to see some videos to help you understand....I find it easier watching 3d videos Showing me how it works rather than trying to read it. If you have any other questions though don't hesitate to ask.

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by mehoff400

please excuse my dumb questions but total newb with timing. so just installed my new motor and my first time doing timing. i got the motor at TDC i am assuming i need to have the cap and rotor located at #1 plug wire to get a rough timing?

I just went through this. This is the method I used in steps.
1. Disconnect the coil from the distributor.
2. Remove the #1 spark plug.
3. Hand turn the flywheel while your thumb is over the spark plug hole. You should feel pressure coming up against your thumb as the #1 piston moves UP during the compression stroke.
4. Place a LONG thin screwdriver into the #1 hole and feel the top of the piston. Use it to tell when the piston is at the maximum height.
5. Look at the harmonic balancer mark. If the "0" mark is pointing at (or really close) to the timing mark, then you have just confirmed the #1 piston is at TDC.
6. Install the distributor with the rotor pointing to the spark plug wire for plug #1. Install the distributor hold down clamp finger tight.
7. Reinstall the #1 plug and confirm all plug wires are connected to the distributor cap in the correct firing order.
8. Reconnect the coil wires
9. Prime the carb with a little fuel and start the engine.
10. Use a timing light to see what the timing is. Then carefully twist the distributor until the timing is where you want it. There are several variables that will determine what is right for your engine. Tighten the distributor hold down clamp.

This is from memory. I hope I didn't leave anything out.

[Patastump]

Well thank you for your answers I figured it out and was able to set the timing! I actually figured out that wasn't my problem though. When I put the new head on the block I actually tightened down the valve stems to the point they were staying open when firing causing it not to start! I included a picture of the motor restored from when I got the motor! First time doing this extensive of work on motor!
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[Patastump]

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[Lugnutz65]

Looks good. Where's your dipstick tube?