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Ignition Wires Position

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by tripilio, Aug 21, 2021.

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  1. tripilio

    tripilio Proud American!

    This is probably one of the dumbest questions ever posted here but I am trying to fire up the engine and I want to be sure I am doing it right. I have spark on the wires, a bit weak but spark nonetheless. I have been cranking it up but no explosion. I replaced the rotor and cap but I want to be sure my wires are in the correct order. Soooo, how can I be sure my wires are in the right spark plug?
     
  2. Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    2 things. You have to determine the compression stroke of the number 1 cylinder. The other is to have the distributor cap off and see where the rotor points to when at top dead center of the compression stroke. The #1 spark plug wire should go from that matching terminal on the cap to the #1 spark plug. It should be at 5 o'clock on the distributor cap. The distributor could be 180 degrees off and the rotor would point to the 11 o'clock position. In that case move the #1 wire to that corresponding cap position and move the other 3 wires accordingly.
     
    tripilio likes this.
  3. Oldpappy

    Oldpappy A.C. Fults - Curmudgeon at large 2022 Sponsor

    Here is what I would do.

    You did not mention which engine you have, and that may get you a better answer, but they all work the same.

    1) Bring the number one piston to top dead center on compression stroke.

    2) Check to see which distributor cap terminal the rotor contact is pointing to.

    3) Connect that wire to the spark plug on the number one cylinder.

    4) Connect the other wires to the plugs in firing order.

    You DO have a TSM don't you? If not, you need to get one.
     
    tripilio likes this.
  4. tripilio

    tripilio Proud American!

    Thanks to all for the guidance. I had the wires correctly, it was just a weak batt and a faulty carb. But... It's alive! I am happy! It sounds great, all it needs is some fine tuning on time and carburator. My oil pressure is around 40 to 42. Is that ok?
     
    Twin2 and Glenn like this.
  5. Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    That's good oil pressure. Is that when fully warmed up? What is it at idle? What weight oil are you using?
     
    PeteL likes this.
  6. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor


    Oil pressure "40-42..."

    At idle, at full rpm? What temperature? What engine? What weight oil?

    But yeah, 40 sounds pretty fair, all depending.
     
  7. tripilio

    tripilio Proud American!

    I have no idea which oil I have right now. I plan to do an oil change ASAP. I have no gauges connected other than the oil pressure . Rpms were about 1000 ish. And not cold but not fully warmed. Which oil should I use?
     
  8. tripilio

    tripilio Proud American!

  9. Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Also, I don't remember if you mentioned the engine condition, if it's rebuilt or not. Or low mileage, high mileage?
     
  10. Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Personally I like 10/40, Castrol or similar.
     
    tripilio likes this.
  11. tripilio

    tripilio Proud American!

    No idea. I bought it running 2 something years ago and this is the first time I start the engine.
     
  12. tripilio

    tripilio Proud American!

    Thanks!