Distributor cap help

[Bratcher4079]

I have an 89 OMC Valiant VIP. I has a 4.3l GM v-6 motor. I just got the boat and I'm having some issues that are in other posts. One question is about the distributor cap and where the #1 spark plug wire should be located on the cap. My manual shows the #1 on the cap should be located (while facing the motor) just in front of the cap hold down screw on the right. Which corresponds to how my spark plug wire is ran for the #1 cylinder. So here's my question. When the number one one cylinder is at the top of the compression stroke and my my timing mark is at o degrees, if you pull the distributor cap the rotor is facing cylinder #5 position on the cap. The motor is in the compression stroke as I could feel the air pressure coming out and with an inspection camera I could see both the exhaust and intake valves were closed. The motor is running a little rough and is hard to start, but it does run with no backfires. Could the distributor have been installed incorrectly?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Distributor cap help

Orientation of the wires on the distributor makes ZERO difference. As long as the wires are on the cap in the correct order and the rotor points to the #1 spark plug wire when the engine is at TDC on the compression stroke, you are fine.

Have you checked timing and dwell(if a points type ignition system)?

When the number one one cylinder is at the top of the compression stroke and my my timing mark is at o degrees, if you pull the distributor cap the rotor is facing cylinder #5 position on the cap.

If this is really the case, I doubt the engine woud run very well if at all. Check your firing order.