I need help figuring out the distributor. I have a 1972 240z stock motor (head and block). This is the first time ive owned a car with a distributor so im not too familiar with them.

Is this the right numbering for the wires? I numbered it this way based on the firing order givin in the manual. I did not change any of the wires, so this is how the previous owner left it.

Also to confirm, this is the right firing sequence?

Is this the adjustment i use when timing with the light?

Or is this the adjustment and if not what is this used for?

Always number the SPARK PLUGS from the front of the motor. 123456. The dis. will fire spark to each plug in turn as the rotor in the dis. rotates in an anti clockwise direction. You would appear to have number 1 marked correctly at the dis. redo the rest to read 153624. which is the firing order for a six cylinder engine. The rotor is at the top when you take off the dist.cap.

Do NOT THINK of numbers 123456 at the dis. but 153624. What you need to understand is that as the rotor in the dist. rotates it delivers a spark one at a time, in the correct order, to the plugs.

Where you have numbered 123456 on the distributor should read 153624. Then number the spark plugs 123456 and place the wires from the numbers on the distributor to the corresponding numbers at the spark plugs. So number 1 wire from the dis. goes to number one spark plug. Second wire from the dis. goes to number 5 spark plug, third wire goes to number 3 spark plug, fourth wire goes to number six spark plug, fifth wire goes to number two plug, and the last wire goes to the only plug left which should be number four plug.

Edit-- Hope this helps, and if the cam timing is right it should start. Then think about fine adjustments to the dist.

Edited January 3, 201213 yr by olzed

Okay, the cylinder numbers refer to the block and not the distributor. Number 1 is the front cylinder, and number 6 is the back cylinder. Having said that, it looks like you have the wires in the right place. Search around here. Blue has posted a picture on numerous occasions showing the correct firing order.

As for your other question(s), both bolts are for adjusting the timing. Think of it as fine and coarse adjustment. Usually, you put the fine adjustment (smaller movement) in the middle and use the coarse adjustment (larger movement) to get you in the ballpark on the timing. Then when you're close, lock down the coarse adjustment, loosen the fine adjustment and finish setting your timing. Lock down the fine adjustment, and you're done.

Now, for your homework, research setting the dwell on points. Hey, it's an excuse to buy another tool...

i feel dumb, but hey thats why we ask for help if we dont know right. Thanks for the help fellas.

here is what my mechanical timing looks like. Pretty sure this is close to right according to the manual. look ok?

So after i get the motor running i time it like steveJ said to the 5degree mark (second white mark) i whited out on the pully and i should be good?

There is no such thing as a dumb question, and asking is how we all learn. Some people are afraid to have a go, and learn nothing. Looks as though you have the cam timing correct.

Edited January 3, 201213 yr by olzed

The only dumb question would be the one you already know the answer to.

The thread is just another in a looooong list of goodies where the question was well stated and the quality of the answers were remarkable.

Olzed, looks like you have a new neighbor in Malasia.

Well i have bad news, I got the motor in the car and running today but i cant seem to bring the timing to the 5 degree mark. with both of the adjustments on the distributor turned all the way i can only get to the 20 or 25 degree timing mark, the one furthest from 0 mark. Whats my problem? Before i pulled the motor to work on it, i checked the timing and it was at the 5 degree mark, so it was working before. My mechanical timing is right.

Edited January 9, 201213 yr by disepyon

Well, what did you touch when you pulled the motor? Did you make sure your timing mark was at 0 when the motor was at TDC? That mark can move.

Edited January 9, 201213 yr by SteveJ
The Grammar Cops forced me to fix my punctuation.

I just replaced all the gaskets, head gasket too. I made sure everything was aligned.

How did you support the timing chain tensioner? It looks like you supported it because the chain looks like it's in place. There are a few threads on the subject.

I just bolted it back on the way it was before and according to the manual. ill look into it.

Some pics showing my timing. Just took these.

I have the light hooked up to number one cylinder.

The previous owners put this ignition box thing in. I made sure i have it wired in right, i took pics before i removed it so i could see how it looks when to install.

This is what I'm referring to supporting the cam tensioner. The attached file is a couple of pages from How to Rebuild Your Nissan & Datsun OHC Engine.

Cam Tensioner.pdf