I really need some help. I just changed the plug wires on my stock '88. I followed what my Haynes manual gave me for firing order and where the #1 plug should be on the distributor rather than marking the way they were when I took them off. The car will not start. What do you all think?

 

I think you made a mistake!

1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

that is the firing order, clockwise

 

Well, I checked again. I have it right according to the book. Is it possible that the #1 on the distributor is no longer where it is supposed to be? The book does state that if the distributor was ever out of the car#1 may now be in a different place. Any suggestions?

 

Make sure no.1 cyl. is on top dead center, then drop your distributor in.

 

Was it running before you did the wires?

 

Just a couple questions first.

You mention that you replaced the wires. Did you remove the diswtributer? If so, then you need to re-check your work and make sure that you have the distributer correctly installed and timed with the engine. With my L98 correctly installed, the rotor points to the 11:00 position. (This orientation is with the centerline of the block being 12:00). It is possible that a previous owner has removed the distributer and incorrectly installed it. If this orientation is not correct, you have a couple options.

Turn your engine over until you are lined up with the TDC marks ON THE COMPRESSION STROKE. Then remove and reinstall your distributer so that the rotor is in the correct position above. Make sure that the distributer seats all the way and that you have engaged the oil pump drive.

Your second choice is to bring the engine up to the TDC timing marks ON THE COMPRESSION STROKE and note which plug wire the rotor is pointing to. That now becomes your #1 cylinder and you just need to move the wires around the cap to achieve the correct firing order using your new #1 location as a starting point.

The second method is easier, but I do not recomend it. It really makes it nasty for the next guy that works on your engine and can cause problems like you are having now.

You will get lots of help on this forum, so just keep us posted on your progress.

 

First off, NEVER take all your plug wires out without identifying #1 wire position on the cap. Now you get to take your valve cover off and bump the engine over until both valves are closed on #1 cylinder and the timing pointer is directly on TDC. Check the rotor and see which terminal it's pointing to, this is now #1 cylinder. Start at that terminal and run the wires around clockwise in the firing order and you'll be ready to start 'er up. Disconnect the tan wire by the brake booster that goes to the ESC, set the timing at 6* btdc, lock down the distributor, plug the tan wire back in and go take 'er for a spin.

 

Simple way to find out if number 1 cyclinder is matched with with 1 plug tower, remove no 1 plug. Put finger over plug hole. have someone crank engine slowly until compression is felt. Rotor should then be on no 1 plug tower. If not, (don't crank engine again) remove distributor, align timing mark on pulley to "0" on engine timing indicator. Turn rotor on distributor to point between no 1 and no 8 spark plug towers on distributor cap. Reinstall distributor and connect wiring, etc..