Distributor install question

Hello all. I've been trying to start my 390 for the past few days. Cranks but no start. I don't think I'm getting spark. I'm pretty sure everything is grounded good. I ordered a HEI distributor and Taylor wires. I wanted to make sure I install the distributor correctly, not sure the current one is installed correctly. I've read that you line up the rotor tab to the number 1 cylinder when its at the compression stroke? If anyone can just give me some tips I'd appreciate it, thanks.

 

this off the DUI website....hope it helps.

If you are starting fresh and installing a DUI Distributor in a new or rebuilt engine, then you will need to bring the number one cylinder up to top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke. Note: Make sure you are on the compression stroke or you will be 180 degrees out on the timing. If necessary, have someone spin the engine over while holding your thumb over the number one spark plug hole until you feel it "blow", and this will be your compression stroke. Turn the engine by hand to line the timing mark up to 0 on the balancer. Once this is established, drop the distributor in the block (without the cap) and point the rotor toward the terminal you want to designate as number one. Once the distributor is installed and all clearances have been checked (see Topic 1), re-install the cap. Now, add the spark plug wires and follow the firing order starting with the terminal that was designated as number one. For optimum performance, set the spark plug gaps at .050" - .055". Leave the vacuum advance disconnected and plug the vacuum line. Your engine should now be ready to start. Crank the engine and adjust the distributor until it fires. Once the engine is runnning adjust the initial timing to about 10-12 degrees before top dead center (BTDC) while it is idleing at 750 rpms or less. Once initial timing is set, lock the distributor down and recheck the timing. Plug in the vacuum line and go for a road test. Make sure there is no pinging under hard acceleration. If pinging is detected, retard the timing until it is eliminated.

When I installed my HEI, I put a cork in the number one sparkplug hole and by slowly turning the fan/waterpump, the cork will pop out when you are on compreession stroke

 

Thanks for the help!

 

Installed the distributor and she cranked right up!!! Yaaaay! After trying a bunch of stuff it was something with the old distributor.