tvr chimaera 4.0 - ignition problem

[roylarder]

I've had a mix up in the ignition leads after replacing the distributor cap. I've established the firing order, but I don't know the which pole of the distributor cap to connect cylinder 1 spark plug to. Does anyone know an easy way of establishing which pole is which!
Any help appreciated.
Roy

[GreenV8S]

Take one of the plugs out (whichever is easiest for you to get to) and slowly nudge the engine over with your finger over the plug hole until you feel it blowing out and then stop and start sucking in. That gives you top dead center on the exhaust stroke for that cylinder. Take the dizzy cap off and see which terminal on the cap the rotor is pointing to. The plug you have taken out connects to the terminal which is directly opposite the one the rotor arm is pointing to. Then work your way clockwise around the dizzy cap fitting the other leads in order 18436572.

You can turn the engine over either by a socket on the front pulley or by putting it in gear and rocking the car.

Alternatively:

If it won't fire within a few seconds of cranking you can be pretty sure the leads are wrong so just move them all around by one and try again. There are only seven wrong combinations so it won't take long to find the right one!

Edited by GreenV8S on Sunday 20th January 21:06

[spend]

Isn't looking/feeling thru the oil filler cap for no 1 inlet to open then close easier & less obtrusive?

Dave

[GreenV8S]

spend said:

Isn't looking/feeling thru the oil filler cap for no 1 inlet to open then close easier & less obtrusive?

Dave

I find it easier to feel than see, if you see what I mean! But that would work just as well if you preferred that approach. If you're watching the rockers the point to watch for is the inlet and exhaust rockers both moving. This avoids getting it wrong if you're watching the wrong rocker or decided to turn the crank the wrong way for some reason. (Finger over the plug hole also still works if you're going the wrong way.)

[roylarder]

Many thanks for your replies. I'm away working for the next week or so, but as soon as I can get back to the car I'll try out your suggestions. Cheers again.
Roy