'98 merc 3.0L, 135hp
Yesterday removed the cap from the distributor and then removed the distributor itself from the engine (while foolishly looking for the source of another problem) and then today put it back in. Little did I know that it had to be put in just right..
Cranked it over, wouldn't start, then made a super loud backfire noise, and after a few more tries still would not start.
I read the manual like I should have at the start of this f'n project and found out how to properly install the distributor - but I need a little clarification.. I've pasted the instructions below, with my two QUESTIONS IN ALL-CAPS. Any advice is much appreciated!
Distributor Installation: Engine Disturbed
1. Locate No. 1 piston in firing position by either of two methods described below.
a. Remove No. 1 spark plug and, with finger on plug hole, crank engine until compression is felt in No. 1 cylinder. Continue cranking until pointer lines up with timing mark on crankshaft pulley, (IS THIS WITH THE DISTRIBUTOR INSTALLED?)
or,
b. Remove rocker cover and crank engine until No. 1 intake valve closes, continuing
to crank slowly until pointer lines up with timing mark on crankshaft pulley.
2. Position distributor to opening in block in normal installed attitude.
3. Position rotor to point toward front of engine (with distributor housing held in installed
attitude), then turn rotor counterclockwise approximately 1/8-turn more to the left and
push distributor down to engage camshaft. It may be necessary to rotate rotor slightly
until camshaft engagement is felt.
4. While pressing down firmly on distributor housing, engage starter a few times to make
sure oil pump shaft is engaged (HOW DO WE KNOW IF THE OIL PUMP SHAFT IS ENGAGED?). Install hold-down clamp and bolt and snug up bolt.
5. Turn distributor body slightly until points just open and tighten distributor clamp bolt.
6. Place distributor cap in position and check that rotor lines up with terminal for No. 1 spark plug. Install cap.
7. Install cap, distributor primary lead to coil. Check and connect spark plug wires, if they
have been removed. Wires must be installed in their proper location in supports to
prevent cross-firing. Firing order is 1-3-4-2.
8. Install rotor.
9. Replace distributor cap.
10. Time ignition as outlined under ?Ignition Timing,? in this section.
Yesterday removed the cap from the distributor and then removed the distributor itself from the engine (while foolishly looking for the source of another problem) and then today put it back in. Little did I know that it had to be put in just right..
Cranked it over, wouldn't start, then made a super loud backfire noise, and after a few more tries still would not start.
I read the manual like I should have at the start of this f'n project and found out how to properly install the distributor - but I need a little clarification.. I've pasted the instructions below, with my two QUESTIONS IN ALL-CAPS. Any advice is much appreciated!
Distributor Installation: Engine Disturbed
1. Locate No. 1 piston in firing position by either of two methods described below.
a. Remove No. 1 spark plug and, with finger on plug hole, crank engine until compression is felt in No. 1 cylinder. Continue cranking until pointer lines up with timing mark on crankshaft pulley, (IS THIS WITH THE DISTRIBUTOR INSTALLED?)
or,
b. Remove rocker cover and crank engine until No. 1 intake valve closes, continuing
to crank slowly until pointer lines up with timing mark on crankshaft pulley.
2. Position distributor to opening in block in normal installed attitude.
3. Position rotor to point toward front of engine (with distributor housing held in installed
attitude), then turn rotor counterclockwise approximately 1/8-turn more to the left and
push distributor down to engage camshaft. It may be necessary to rotate rotor slightly
until camshaft engagement is felt.
4. While pressing down firmly on distributor housing, engage starter a few times to make
sure oil pump shaft is engaged (HOW DO WE KNOW IF THE OIL PUMP SHAFT IS ENGAGED?). Install hold-down clamp and bolt and snug up bolt.
5. Turn distributor body slightly until points just open and tighten distributor clamp bolt.
6. Place distributor cap in position and check that rotor lines up with terminal for No. 1 spark plug. Install cap.
7. Install cap, distributor primary lead to coil. Check and connect spark plug wires, if they
have been removed. Wires must be installed in their proper location in supports to
prevent cross-firing. Firing order is 1-3-4-2.
8. Install rotor.
9. Replace distributor cap.
10. Time ignition as outlined under ?Ignition Timing,? in this section.
