Timing

[akzbob]

I just purchased my 2nd Z, a 1977 280Z, and the po stated he could not get it started. Once getting it home, I removed the number one plug and cranked the engine until piston #1 was at TDC. In removing the distributor cap the rotor is pointing to approximately where #6 fires. I changed all the wires to match this and the engine started right up. I pulled the distributor thinking I could rotate it 180 degrees to get the firing order as stated in the FSM. The base of the distributor is not 'centered' therefore it will only fit one way. Does this mean that the timing chain is off 180 degrees or am I missing something?

Could I leave it as is?

Thanks for any ideas!

[beermanpete]

The distributor will only go in one way, as you figured out. The cam timing is not related to the ingition timing in this engine. Also, if the cam tinig was off the engine would not run. The internal parts of the distributor can be assembled 180 degrees out. This will make the rotor point to the opposite side.

I spent some time sorting out a problem in my distributor for my 73 240Z and when I was done I had the thing backwards. It runs fine so I left it. The only consequence seems to be the plug wires cross over each other more so it looks funny.

[mayitin]

You have to have two perrsons to do this one has to unbolt the oil pump but not drop it all the way down just a little bit the other person needs to turn the shaft into the right position #1. I this will fix your problem.

[spdcrazy]

funny this thread came up, i just finished figureing out the problem with my Z.

i had the same issue, when i finished a valve lash adjustment, it wouldn't start, i checked and rechecked the firing order, and it didn't work. so finally i swapped it around and put the number 1 into number 6 etc. so in essence, the cylinders were backwards.... runs like a champ

[FastWoman]

At least in my '78, the rotor points roughly forwards at TDC. (Does yours?)

I bet the PO just put the wires on wrong.