Could it be 180 degrees out

[zdude1967]

Would an engine run if the oil pump was timed to the top of the exhaust stroke instead of the compression stroke. I guess this is considered 180 degress out. In any case would it run and if it did how would it run. I set my oil pump but because the car is running poorly- kinda sputtering, I am second guessing if I got the top of the compression or the exhaust.

Thanks

Glenn

[240260280z]

180 out is no problem but the plugs must also be 180 out

so instead of 153624 it will be 624153.

If your plugs are not correct the car won't run at all and you will get pops and backfire when cranking.

[Zforce]

With #1 cylinder at tbc spindle drive tang will be at 11:25 position looking down the hole where the dizzy goes, align the dot on the spindle with the dot on the oil pump to help engage the right teeth on the spindle with the worm gear on crank. It might take a couple of times to get it but that's the only way the engine is going to run right. Once this is done you cant screw it up, drive tang is offset ground so you can take the dizzy out and put it back without fear of being 180 degrees out. It also might be a good idea for you to get a factory service manual.

[Zed Head]

I installed my plug wires in backward rotation once (clockwise instead of counter) and the engine started and ran, very poorly. Confusing and it took me a short while to figure it out.

[zdude1967]

Thanks everyone. I did time the oil pump and spindle. The reason I am questioning TDC is because it runs poorly. I did not do a final check to see if both cam lobes were off the valves therefore valves being closed prior to putting the valve cover back on when I did TDC. Thats why I am questioning it, the lobes were off the valves when I started however after some tweeking with a chopstick and the top of the piston I negected to make the final cam valve check and just closed it up. Anyway I am going to try the 180 degree out way of doing the plugs to see if it runs better, if so I guess I am 180 out if not I guess I can assume I am not. Does everyone agree that this should work

[Zforce]

If you timed the oil pump spindle correctly it is impossable to be 180 deg out. Spindle drive tang will be at 11:25 position when looking down the hole where the dizzy goes. Use a long needle nose pliers to pull the spindle into position then install pump. When you have done this correctly dizzy rotor will be pointing at about the 11:00 o'clock position. Be carefull when messing around with ignition wires, you could blow your muffler off the car or start a fire.