cano86

Ok, first I went to put in a new set of heads on my mustang today but I made a small mistake, I forgot to check the position of the rotor before I took out the distributor and now I can get the car to start.

My question is: How can I set the distributor?

TrimDrip

take out the #1 spark plug. Check for when the piston is to the top with your finger or a pen on the compression stroke. Btdc on the balancer. Turn your rotor button towards the number one spark plug wire.

cano86

Thanks for the quick reply I will try that first thing tomorrow, now am concerned the heads I installed are the GT40P will I still be able to feel the piston even though of the angle of the spark plug.

TrimDrip

should be able too, if not just use a pen or something. Technically your balancer should be at 0 btdc when this occurs unless it has slipped.

really it just needs to be close to start it. Then you can use a gun for setting it where you want it.

cano86

Ok, I'll do that thanks for the help.

capri debris

To be more specific, there are two TDC's. One is the compression stroke (the one you want) and the other is the exhaust stroke. There's a sure fire way to be certain you are on the correct TDC.... just take the passenger side valve cover off and watch the rockers on #1 cylinder as you rotate the crank with a rachet. You'll know you're on the right TDC when both valves are fully closed on #1 cylinder and the crank pointer is on 0*.

After you do all that, just drop the dizzy in pointing the rotor at the #1 wire terminal. It may take a few tries because you have to start it in "upstream" of where you want it to be pointing when the gear is fully engaged.

This should be able to get it running for you. Good luck.