Shorthorse
Well-Known Member
Relax, you're overthinking this. The orientation of #1 cylinder on the distributor is unimportant. It can be virtually anywhere, 360 degrees. The manufactures "suggested" positioning of #1 cylinder has more to do with the mass production of spark plug wire lengths.
As others have pointed out, find the top dead center compression/firing stroke of cylinder #1. Remember, the piston comes to the top twice per firing order, once for ignition firing and once for exhaust. Pick your spot where you want #1 cylinder to be on the distributor and move all wires on the cap accordingly. Finally, get your timing light.
Big however,,, reading some of your posts you're going to have to confirm that your balancer is not compromised first. Take a socket and put in on the crankshaft bolt. Turn it clockwise and very closely observe the balancer. It is constructed of an inner and outer portion bonded with a polymer material. This bond can go bad over a period of time. If the balancer portions do not move in unison (inner and outer), it needs replaced.
As others have pointed out, find the top dead center compression/firing stroke of cylinder #1. Remember, the piston comes to the top twice per firing order, once for ignition firing and once for exhaust. Pick your spot where you want #1 cylinder to be on the distributor and move all wires on the cap accordingly. Finally, get your timing light.
Big however,,, reading some of your posts you're going to have to confirm that your balancer is not compromised first. Take a socket and put in on the crankshaft bolt. Turn it clockwise and very closely observe the balancer. It is constructed of an inner and outer portion bonded with a polymer material. This bond can go bad over a period of time. If the balancer portions do not move in unison (inner and outer), it needs replaced.
