Electronics Need help wiring something up? Thinking of adding an electrical component to your car? Need help troubleshooting that wiring glitch?

setting the distributor ????

Old Jan 7, 2010 | 07:46 PM
  #1  
84-camaro-zoom's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: currently 2.8l v6
Transmission: not sure.. its a 5spd
Axle/Gears: don't know but it will be replaced
setting the distributor ????

i pulled all the wiring out of my 1984 berlinetta its a 2.8l v6 i believe
the firing order is 135 from passenger side starting from front working way back to engine and 246 driver side from front to back...
but i dont know where the wires go on the distributor and i need to set the timing i think ??? i pulled the whole thing out with the rod please help and send a link.. i have no idea what im doing with this i have a rough idea how it should work but dont know how to set it??
thanks in advance all help is appreciated
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2010 | 08:41 PM
  #2  
Drew's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (58)
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 20,310
Likes: 1,064
From: Salina, KS
Re: setting the distributor ????

Pull the #1 spark plug and the distributor cap. Turn the crank until you're on top dead center with the valves closed, and then where ever the rotor is pointing is the #1 terminal. With the distributor dropped correctly the rotor should be pointing towards cyl #1.
To set the timing, the EST needs to be disconnected. I can't remember if 84 has a seperate EST... if there's a tan wire with a black stripe with a single weatherpack connector near the distributor or in the harness by the A/C box, that's the EST. If it doesn't have one, the harness needs to be unplugged from the distributor.
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2010 | 10:17 PM
  #3  
84-camaro-zoom's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: currently 2.8l v6
Transmission: not sure.. its a 5spd
Axle/Gears: don't know but it will be replaced
Re: setting the distributor ????

on a v6 2.8l engine i know i can pick which ever one to be the first spark on the distributor cap but what is the order on the cap??? i know the engine is 135 left side front to back and 246 right side front to back of engine and i know i start by find tdc now that i watched a few you tube clips my only concern is how do i know in what order do the numbers go around on the cap ???
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2010 | 10:32 PM
  #4  
DAREDEVIL 1's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: Bradenton FL
Car: CAMARO,GMC SUBURBAN DUALLY,RACEBOA
Engine: 305 TBI( soon 383),350Vortec
Transmission: 700 turbo
Re: setting the distributor ????

firing order for a V6 = 1-2-3-4-5-6 and its clockwise, the #1 on a V6 is on the front left if u are in front of the engine, then zig zag around ...#2 woould be right front,#3 LF and so on!!

The distributer should point at #1

On a 4 cylinder its 1-3-4-2 and on a V8 its 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 but on a V8 #1 is on the RF if u are in front of the engine.

Hope this helps.
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2010 | 10:38 PM
  #5  
84-camaro-zoom's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: currently 2.8l v6
Transmission: not sure.. its a 5spd
Axle/Gears: don't know but it will be replaced
Re: setting the distributor ????

Originally Posted by DAREDEVIL 1
firing order for a V6 = 1-2-3-4-5-6 and its clockwise, the #1 on a V6 is on the front left if u are in front of the engine, then zig zag around ...#2 woould be right front,#3 LF and so on!!

The distributer should point at #1

On a 4 cylinder its 1-3-4-2 and on a V8 its 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 but on a V8 #1 is on the RF if u are in front of the engine.

Hope this helps.
i get i thank you very much! but #3 just were clear would be lf but back one spot :P thats all i need to know this actually seems very simple to do! thanks again o and is there any thing else i should know about setting the timeing or do you have any links would be helpful im just learning on an the original engine before i go to build a new one practice makes perfect
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2010 | 10:42 PM
  #6  
DAREDEVIL 1's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: Bradenton FL
Car: CAMARO,GMC SUBURBAN DUALLY,RACEBOA
Engine: 305 TBI( soon 383),350Vortec
Transmission: 700 turbo
Re: setting the distributor ????

I would pull #1 spark plug, get somebody to crank the engine over tick by tick , while u hold the thumb on the plug hole. as soon as u feel and hear ...........sssswwwwsh...., stop!!!!!!
Now take distributer and set in hole so the rotor finger is pointing @ #1 on the cap.
Tighten and wire , start engine !!!! If it will run real shitty,,,u messed up ! LOL
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2010 | 10:50 PM
  #7  
84-camaro-zoom's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: currently 2.8l v6
Transmission: not sure.. its a 5spd
Axle/Gears: don't know but it will be replaced
Re: setting the distributor ????

Originally Posted by DAREDEVIL 1
I would pull #1 spark plug, get somebody to crank the engine over tick by tick , while u hold the thumb on the plug hole. as soon as u feel and hear ...........sssswwwwsh...., stop!!!!!!
Now take distributer and set in hole so the rotor finger is pointing @ #1 on the cap.
Tighten and wire , start engine !!!! If it will run real shitty,,,u messed up ! LOL

the thump test is just so you know both valves are closed once you feel that air come out of the spark plug hole. you want to use a soft wire.. or tube trough a spark plug going into a jar of water to see when it stops blowing bubbles or starts sucking in water you want it just between the two to be perfect or where the wire is furthest outward NOTE (soft wire so you dont scratch the top of the piston) or you can get a bolt on gauge to measure it either way the thumb is just a rough idea.... correct ??
wow at the beginning of the day i didn't even know how a distributor worked lol now im ready to set the timing
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2010 | 11:01 PM
  #8  
DAREDEVIL 1's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: Bradenton FL
Car: CAMARO,GMC SUBURBAN DUALLY,RACEBOA
Engine: 305 TBI( soon 383),350Vortec
Transmission: 700 turbo
Re: setting the distributor ????

I use the thumb on any engine, as soon as u feel it ,,u know u got it !!!

Even on my 800+ HP boat i do it like that, rev @ 7400 RPM WOT ,,never been off !!!!

Then check with timing light and you good to go .
But it will be close enough in a car with a nock sensor , it will adjust the timing 1-2 +/-* so it will be fine.

PS,,,WATER TRICK........BAD IDEA !!!!!!!
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2010 | 11:01 PM
  #9  
84-camaro-zoom's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: currently 2.8l v6
Transmission: not sure.. its a 5spd
Axle/Gears: don't know but it will be replaced
Re: setting the distributor ????

only other thing is i guess i have to jack the back end of my car up.. so i can be able to spin the crank... since everything is still connected??
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2010 | 11:04 PM
  #10  
84-camaro-zoom's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: currently 2.8l v6
Transmission: not sure.. its a 5spd
Axle/Gears: don't know but it will be replaced
Re: setting the distributor ????

Originally Posted by DAREDEVIL 1
I use the thumb on any engine, as soon as u feel it ,,u know u got it !!!

Even on my 800+ HP boat i do it like that, rev @ 7400 RPM WOT ,,never been off !!!!

Then check with timing light and you good to go .
But it will be close enough in a car with a nock sensor , it will adjust the timing 1-2 +/-* so it will be fine.

PS,,,WATER TRICK........BAD IDEA !!!!!!!
ookay cancel the water idea i can see how that would be bad.. lol. the sensor is that metal part sticking out from the distibutor base with a little tube coming out of it correct ?
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2010 | 11:23 PM
  #11  
DAREDEVIL 1's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: Bradenton FL
Car: CAMARO,GMC SUBURBAN DUALLY,RACEBOA
Engine: 305 TBI( soon 383),350Vortec
Transmission: 700 turbo
Re: setting the distributor ????

WHY WOULD U JACK THE CAR UP ??????????? Crank it in PARK or NEUTRAL !!!!! HAHAHA

Remember ,,,there is a thing in there called transmision LOL.

What metal tube ?????? mmmmmmhhhhhh cant follow u there,,sensor ???
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2010 | 11:31 PM
  #12  
84-camaro-zoom's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: currently 2.8l v6
Transmission: not sure.. its a 5spd
Axle/Gears: don't know but it will be replaced
Re: setting the distributor ????

Originally Posted by DAREDEVIL 1
WHY WOULD U JACK THE CAR UP ??????????? Crank it in PARK or NEUTRAL !!!!! HAHAHA

Remember ,,,there is a thing in there called transmision LOL.

What metal tube ?????? mmmmmmhhhhhh cant follow u there,,sensor ???
lmao you see im still learning man this is scary that im under going such a project by my self lol :P heres a pic im talking about the silver part to the right of the the distributor is that the sensor ?

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/u...t_20100107.jpg
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2010 | 11:35 PM
  #13  
DAREDEVIL 1's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: Bradenton FL
Car: CAMARO,GMC SUBURBAN DUALLY,RACEBOA
Engine: 305 TBI( soon 383),350Vortec
Transmission: 700 turbo
Re: setting the distributor ????

LOL,,,dont know what u call that ..but it has nothing to do with seting the timing !!!
Its a vacuum box .....NO .....ITS NOT GONNA CLEAN THE CARPET , HAHAHAHA

.....its actually what retarts or increaces your timing acording to whats needed. BASICLY a saftey so to speak in case of detonation, it will actually safe the motor from blowing up.

Last edited by DAREDEVIL 1; Jan 7, 2010 at 11:40 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2010 | 11:41 PM
  #14  
84-camaro-zoom's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: currently 2.8l v6
Transmission: not sure.. its a 5spd
Axle/Gears: don't know but it will be replaced
Re: setting the distributor ????

lmao im not stupid :P well after the jacking the back end up comment i see why you'd think to clear that up for me lmao.. well what the hell is that thing for ??? hmm...
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2010 | 11:47 PM
  #15  
carbsrule's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: casper wyoming
Car: 1996 jeep cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Transmission: 4 speed auto
Axle/Gears: chrysler 8 3/4 3.08 gears
Re: setting the distributor ????

that silver thing is what makes the distributor advance as the rpm's go up using vacuume
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2010 | 11:59 PM
  #16  
84-camaro-zoom's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: currently 2.8l v6
Transmission: not sure.. its a 5spd
Axle/Gears: don't know but it will be replaced
Re: setting the distributor ????

Originally Posted by carbsrule
that silver thing is what makes the distributor advance as the rpm's go up using vacuume
sorry i dont mean to annoy you but.. advance as in what??
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2010 | 12:03 AM
  #17  
DAREDEVIL 1's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: Bradenton FL
Car: CAMARO,GMC SUBURBAN DUALLY,RACEBOA
Engine: 305 TBI( soon 383),350Vortec
Transmission: 700 turbo
Re: setting the distributor ????

Originally Posted by 84-camaro-zoom
sorry i dont mean to annoy you but.. advance as in what??

THE TIMING !!!!!!!!!

Lol, don't matter ,,its good for the engine. NO NEED TO DISCUSS .HAHAHA

Reply
Old Jan 8, 2010 | 12:05 AM
  #18  
84-camaro-zoom's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: currently 2.8l v6
Transmission: not sure.. its a 5spd
Axle/Gears: don't know but it will be replaced
Re: setting the distributor ????

i know some things i ask may be dumb but when im trying to learn things i like to know all the ins and outs of things so im able to picture it in my head and know how everything works together.. some times i ask dumb things but its only dumb not to ask..
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2010 | 12:58 AM
  #19  
Drew's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (58)
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 20,310
Likes: 1,064
From: Salina, KS
Re: setting the distributor ????

Is it a Canadian car? US domestic market cars used an electronic distributor. That's a vacuum advance distributor. It's possible someone converted it to get rid of the computer control. The only thing that changes with vacuum advance is unplug the vacuum line to set timing, and reconnect it when the timing is set.
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2010 | 01:04 AM
  #20  
84-camaro-zoom's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: currently 2.8l v6
Transmission: not sure.. its a 5spd
Axle/Gears: don't know but it will be replaced
Re: setting the distributor ????

Originally Posted by Drew
Is it a Canadian car? US domestic market cars used an electronic distributor. That's a vacuum advance distributor. It's possible someone converted it to get rid of the computer control. The only thing that changes with vacuum advance is unplug the vacuum line to set timing, and reconnect it when the timing is set.
possibly, I wouldn't doubt it because the wiring in the car was like Micky mouse bought a spaghetti factory..
it has a wire coming striat off the distributor that went under the middle consul as an on/off switch so they did something... and i believe its a Canadian car..
is vacuum better ?
i think they did change it he metioned something about the starter not being that great that i might have to replace it.. thus im trying to learn how..
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2010 | 01:26 AM
  #21  
Drew's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (58)
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 20,310
Likes: 1,064
From: Salina, KS
Re: setting the distributor ????

It's not necessarily better or worse. The vacuum advance setup is older, but also less complicated. It's not uncommon for the computer controlled cars to be converted to an older HEI and a none feedback carb. When you get right down to it, when both systems work, the output of the system is the same and the result is the same.
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2010 | 01:30 AM
  #22  
84-camaro-zoom's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: currently 2.8l v6
Transmission: not sure.. its a 5spd
Axle/Gears: don't know but it will be replaced
Re: setting the distributor ????

Originally Posted by Drew
It's not necessarily better or worse. The vacuum advance setup is older, but also less complicated. It's not uncommon for the computer controlled cars to be converted to an older HEI and a none feedback carb. When you get right down to it, when both systems work, the output of the system is the same and the result is the same.
so do the computer controlled ones use a solenoid?
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2010 | 04:07 PM
  #23  
84-camaro-zoom's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: currently 2.8l v6
Transmission: not sure.. its a 5spd
Axle/Gears: don't know but it will be replaced
Re: setting the distributor ????

hey guys i found tdc, got the distributor set and lining up with the first spark plug...
I'm now trying to figure out how to wire the coil back up to the distributor???
the coil has 4 four metal connectors coming out of the top and one wire coming out that looks like the ground... i know two wires from the distributor go to the coil but which ones do i plug the two wires into and then what are the two other connectors on the coil for ??

Last edited by 84-camaro-zoom; Jan 9, 2010 at 03:57 PM.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Frozer!!!
Camaros for Sale
35
Jan 19, 2024 04:55 PM
1992 Trans Am
History / Originality
27
May 10, 2023 07:19 PM
midge54
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Wanted
1
Jan 29, 2017 07:00 PM
86IROC112
Tech / General Engine
3
Aug 17, 2015 07:57 PM
cstrobel65
Tech / General Engine
5
Aug 15, 2015 10:19 AM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:05 PM.