Still struggling with car at idle after 8 years

[jalexquijano]

Just watched this video. Ive never replaced this distributor. Any concerns or steps that i should take when replacing the distributor? Do i need set the timing at TDC? 

 

 

 

[Patcon]

Replacing the distributor is not hard but it will be easier if the motor is at TDC on the compression stroke. Note where the old rotor is pointing and install the new dizzy pointing the same way. Fire it up and set the timing...

[jalexquijano]

Do you know the trick on how to set up the 240z engine at TDC? I use to have a mechanic that pushed a handkerchief in cylinder one while i started to crank the engine. When the handkerchief blasted from the block then it was in TDC. 

If this is not necessary i will only take a picture of where the rotor is at this moment and assure to install the distributor i posted in the same manner. 

[Patcon]

There are 2 positions where the motor is at TDC in a cycle! You need the position where the two cam lobes on the first cylinder are pointing upwards and not pushing on the valves. The timing pointer on the crankshaft pulley should be pointing to the first mark on the the pulley. With all the spark plugs out you should be able to rotate the engine with a ratchet. You can verify the piston is all the way up by looking in the spark plug hole or using a screwdriver to feel the top of the piston. The dizzy should be pointing at the #1 spark plug in the dizzy cap. Remove the dizzy and replace with the new one...

[jalexquijano]

20 minutes ago, Patcon said:

There are 2 positions where the motor is at TDC in a cycle! You need the position where the two cam lobes on the first cylinder are pointing upwards and not pushing on the valves. The timing pointer on the crankshaft pulley should be pointing to the first mark on the the pulley. With all the spark plugs out you should be able to rotate the engine with a ratchet. You can verify the piston is all the way up by looking in the spark plug hole or using a screwdriver to feel the top of the piston. The dizzy should be pointing at the #1 spark plug in the dizzy cap. Remove the dizzy and replace with the new one...

What about the handkerchief method? 

[Yarb]

No

[dutchzcarguy]

16 hours ago, jalexquijano said:

What about the handkerchief method? 

AH !!! NOW i know why you'r struggling! 🙂 

As Patcon said.. look at the valves (Remove cover!) and .. as i would do put a screwdriver or something long and thin like a stick in the Cyl. 1 sparkplug hole. (Take a look in your servicemanual..  NEVER work on a car without a SERVICEMANUAL!!

(Do you still have no servicemanual for your car after 8 years of struggle? wow! )

[jalexquijano]

Look i just want to replace the distributor with a rebuilt one i bought 5 years ago and never used. Shouldnt the car engine start if i install it in the exact position? I really dont want to mess the timing or TDC position or remove any valve cover. 

[Patcon]

5 hours ago, jalexquijano said:

Look i just want to replace the distributor with a rebuilt one i bought 5 years ago and never used. Shouldnt the car engine start if i install it in the exact position? I really dont want to mess the timing or TDC position or remove any valve cover. 

To do it right you will at a minimum have to reset the timing with a timing light. This is not a hard job mechanically but if you try to take shortcuts don't expect good results...

[jalexquijano]

I have a timing light and know the engine timing is correct. Just want to swap the dizzy to eliminate this from troubleshooting list.

[jalexquijano]

On 9/19/2024 at 8:42 PM, Patcon said:

Replacing the distributor is not hard but it will be easier if the motor is at TDC on the compression stroke. Note where the old rotor is pointing and install the new dizzy pointing the same way. Fire it up and set the timing...

Here are some pics i took this afternoon of the stock dizzy before i start removing it. The dizzy just goes in one way. What details should i consider before replacing the other one i have?

[Patcon]

Asking the question different ways isn't going to change my answer...

There are 2 positions where the motor is at TDC in a cycle! You need the position where the two cam lobes on the first cylinder are pointing upwards and not pushing on the valves. The timing pointer on the crankshaft pulley should be pointing to the first mark on the the pulley. With all the spark plugs out you should be able to rotate the engine with a ratchet. You can verify the piston is all the way up by looking in the spark plug hole or using a screwdriver to feel the top of the piston. The dizzy should be pointing at the #1 spark plug in the dizzy cap. Remove the dizzy and replace with the new one...