I just installed a new msd distributor and my timing is all off, the car will not start. Does anyone know how to tell which spot is spot#1 on the msd cap and how to make sure the motor is at tdc?

 

Set your timing mark on the crank at 10 deg look to see where the rotor is pointing on the cap in relation to the plug wires. If you are at #1 and the car wont start the you may be 180deg out. Also you might not be at TDC so crank the engine around till you come back to TDC and see where #1 is again you may need to pull the dist out and re-clock the rotor position to #1 Remember what you did every time as it may take a few tries if you have not done a lot of this kind of work. Just a thought make sure you have power.

 

****** the dizzy out and start all over. Pull valve cover off and make sure you are TDC on compression stroke both valves on #1 cyl. will be closed, try using a small screw driver to also help measure TDC. Check your timing marks on the balancer in relation to everything else. Stab the dizzy and re wire the dizzy. #1 plug can start anywhere you want it to on the dizzy cap, as long as it is in time, if you can understand what I'm saying.

 

Follow this:

http://gregbara.com/MustangTech.aspx

To answer both of your questions quickly. #1 is towards the firewall, and there is usually a #1 on the cap itself.

To tell the engine is at TDC, assuming you did not pull the harmonic balancer off, just turn the engine over using a socket wrench until the pointer is point to -0- .

 

You have to remember that the crank makes two revolutions to 1 revolution of the cam. This could get you on or 180 degrees off. He needs to pull no.1 plug out and check for compression and then set it off the balancer.

 

Ok thanks everyone i will be trying these things today after work... My whole weekend was busy so i couldnt even get to it. But as far as power it is getting power, my shift light/tach comes on, my fan starts to spin, sometimes i even get a back fire sound but it just wont start all the way..