hey i just bought a new distributor cap and rotor because my old one was a little fried, causing lots of missing. I put the new motor and cap on and put the wiring back exactly on the cap as the old one was set up in the same firing order and everything. Now when i go to start the car the engine it sounds crazy like im not getting any timing at all and wont start. Everyting on the distributor is MSD and the cap has the male points sticking up and is meant for chevy 350s. Some one told me that some caps might have the firing order go a different way like counterclockwise or visversa from mine, but im not so sure on that. Or maybee i messed the timing up putting it on. If ne one has any ideas i need suggestions.

 

Just make sure you put the rotor on correctly, and it should be fine. No such thing as a cap being for a different rotation direction or firing order. There is a possibility you chnaged the timing if it wasn't tightened down, but you should see that. Any chance you didn't get the wires back on right? Maybe a position off? Or the cap is not on all the way?

 

First things first...make sure the rotor is pointing to the #1 cylinder on the cap. If it is not, the car will not start. After confirming the rotor is on correctly, double check your plug wires to make sure you didnt get any of them crossed. I have crossed them and not known it until I went to start it and it wouldn't start. It is really easy to get them one position off like Vern mentioned.

 

What are you talking about? Thats only if you rolled the engine over to #1 TDC firing position, which he did not do.

I'd say check, recheck and then have somebody else check the firing order and the sparkplug wire positions. Its really easy to get them mixed up.

 

Sometimes the cap isn't seated correctly on the distributor housing, also. Make sure it's not tilted to one side, as it can easily do.

Did you put the correct electrical bushing (or whatever it's called) in the middle of the cap?

 

thanks guys u were right my rotor was all ****ing cockeyed..I need to get the timing better now, but im glad it starts and runs. my friend can do he,p me with the tunning to si should be good.