Posted by PeterW on December 13, 2002 at 22:03:55:

In Reply to: I think it matters posted by Nick on December 13, 2002 at 15:10:49:

I think what Sonnie is saying is that it doesn't matter if the rotor points to no.1 in the cap or no. 5 etc. etc.

In theory thats correct; you just need to treat say, No. 5 that your've aligned it to, as No. 1 then connect the HT leads in the correct sequence eg. 1, 5, 3, 6, 2, 4 (common inline 6 sequence).

In practice this can be a problem.

1) the next poor guy that has to replace the leads and follows the correct procedure is in trouble because the No. 1 shown in the manual, or marked on the cap, is not really number 1.

2) HT lead length can also be a problem as they are designed for No. 1 lead going from the true No. 1 on the cap to No. 1 spark plug. This can lead to some leads being a bit tight and others drooping.

I ALWAYS align the rotor to the true No. 1 when replacing a distributor.

I have been caught ie. I rebuild my mother-in-law's 4K Corolla engine - new valves, pistons and rings, big end and main bearings, new timing chain and sprockets and chain guides + tensioner. I fitted new plugs. The HT leads and cap and rotor were only 3 months old so I fitted the distributor correctly, fitted the cap and took N0.1 HT lead (which I had marked before dismantling) to No. 1 spark plug etc.

After cranking to get initial oil pressure I tried to fire it up - backfired etc. and wouldn't start. Backfires are not good on a rebuilt engine!!

Checked it out. It turns out that someone had fitted the distributor incorrectly before so the HT leads were not in the correct position. The lead I had marked as No. 1 was infact No. 4 on the cap. There were no distinguishing marks on the cap or distributor body. I got the correct info from our Lubrication and Tune-up manual. I swapped the leads to the correct position and she fired right up first hit.

Moral of the story?? - do it right the FIRST time.

PeterW