Need help getting my fairlane running!!!

coupe68 · 09-05-2009, 07:57 PM

Hey, I just recently bought a 1970 Ford Fairlane but it is not running. The guy I bought it off of said it ran great until he put a new distributor on it and then he couldn't start it. The engine will turn a little, but if you hold the key long enough, it backfires bad, and I mean real bad!!!!! I'm not a really good mechanic but I do think it is something with the distributor. What do I do? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.-Ryan

66fairlane · 09-05-2009, 08:09 PM

Sounds like he put the distributor in 180 degrees out. Pull your spark plug on the number 1 cylinder and get the piston at top dead center. Then pull the cap of the distributor and your rotor is supposed to be lined up with the plug wire that goes to number 1. Chances are yours will be completely opposite. If it's not lined up pull the whole distributor out spin the rotor around until its close to where it should be then drop back in. Because the gear at the base is spiral as you push down it will twist the rotor so before you drop it in set the rotor a little counter clock wise where it should be. Once you get it in the right spot put your plug back in tighten everything up and she should fire. Keep me posted good luck

coupe68 · 09-07-2009, 03:29 PM

Thanks for your help...I will definitely try this, but do you know where the #1 spark plug is?

lincolndriver · 09-07-2009, 05:17 PM

hi, if it is a v8, the no 1 is on the passenger side front. Now the best way to find tdc is to remove the no 1 plug like 66fairlane said. i like to use my index finger and plug the hole and have someone tap the starter until the pressure forces your finger out. Some would say use a screwdriver but remember the piston comes up twice for one revolution of the distributor.
hope this helps

Okiestan · 09-14-2009, 04:16 PM

I nearly always wind up getting the piston on TDC on the exhaust stroke the first try and, after stabbing the distributor, have to pull it out and rotate the engine one full revolution and stab it again. Hope you have it running by now.

coupe68 · 10-01-2009, 04:17 PM

Thanks for all the input. Tinkered around for a while and it did not start. Backfired a couple times

! Finally, I tried to find TDC for the last time and this time it was 180 degrees from where it formally had been, but my battery died. Hope to try it again this weekend.

coupe68 · 10-17-2009, 02:18 PM

Found TDC, but there is no spark coming from the distributor. Just ordered a new distributor and coil.