Number one spark plug

akwells · Mar 7, 2011

I've read on here that the number 1 cylinder should connect to the post on the distributor at the 10:00 position. Is that set in stone? I've got a TO-20 http://ytforums.ytmag.com/viewtopic.php?t=712922 that blue smokes terrible, at idle and load. It misses and carries on most of the time like it's barely running. Now, I haven't had the chance to get into it much, although I did a recent compression test on it warm, with all plugs out. I got 120-120-120-115. I haven't tried MMO in cylinders yet either. Does that number one wire look like its connected to the right post? Just wondering if I could be compounding the smoke problem with the wrong firing order. Its the way it came to me, but I can't be sure somebody didn't monkey around with it. Thanks for your insight.

[/url]

Hollis · Mar 7, 2011

akwells, the only way to be sure the firing order
is correct is to bring your number 1 piston up to
top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke
and be sure that the rotor under the cap is
pointing at the number plug wire terminal on the
distribitor cap that would be the plug wire that
runs to the number 1 spark plug, the check the
fire order to be sure the rest of the wires are in
the correct position,firing order is 1342 on the
Z120 continental gas engine. hope this
helps....goodluck, sounds like it might be burning
some oil though...

Bob (Aust) · Mar 7, 2011

That firing order looks correct: 1 - 3 - 4 - 2.

You will need to check the timing to ensure the ignition is not advanced or retarded.

Hollis · Mar 7, 2011

distribitor rotation is counter clockwise, on the
to-20 looking at the picture firing order is
correct,

Hollis · Mar 7, 2011

how much is gas in autrailia?

Jeff-oh · Mar 7, 2011

Compression is great. 120 about as good as it gets and they are all equal within spec so that is good.

Timing may be off there is no "O'Clock" position that is more correct than another.

I can pull the dist out turn the gear 90 deg and stick it back in keeping the O'clock positions the same but the timing is now 90 degs off.

There is a timing hole under the starter. There may or may not be a plug covering it. With a light so you can see the flywheel, turn the engine until you see the 0 degree timing mark. There is a little notch on side of the hole used for an indicator arrow. Once this is alligned the rotor on the Dist should be facing the #1 wire terminal. This is the rough timing once you get her running decently at temp, then you turn the distributor in the mount to acheive 7 deg BTDC with a timing light. The old timers say they can set it by ear.

I think your timing is off pretty bad.

This is easy and self explanitory once you look at the tractor.

Post back if you need more.

Jeff

Jeff-oh · Mar 7, 2011

Here is a picture... Note this is from a Standard motor not the Cont. but the holes are in the same general place.

Hollis · Mar 7, 2011

plugs could be oil fouled check the plugs too to see
if they are dirty

Jerry/MT · Mar 7, 2011

That"s not cast in concrete because your distributor can rotate.
What you need to do is to time the engine to 7°BTDC. When the #1 cylinder is on the COMPRESSION STROKE, the rotor needs to be pointing to the distributor terminal that"s connected to the #1 plug wire. In the OEM situation this was at the 10 o"clock position but if the distributor was removed it could be anywhere.
My advice to you is to time the engine(Look up the proceedure in the archives. I written it a hundred times) and then check the firing order 1-3-4-2 (the distributor rotates CCW). If you can"t find it, get back here and holler and I"ll help you.

Bob (Aust) · Mar 7, 2011

[i:02f185374e]"how much is gas in autrailia?"[/i:02f185374e]

Too much!

Standard Unleaded 91 Octane around $1.50 per liter = US$5.68 per US gallon.

Diesel is a few cente per liter more expensive. 97 Octane Unleaded is around 15 cents per litre more expensive.

Fuel Excise (tax) in Australia is approximately $0.42/litre ($1.59 per US gallon) and the Government double dips by also charging 10% GST (Goods & Services Tax) on the total price.

We're overtaxed - pity the UK, £2.20 tax per U.S. gallon.

Don't lie, cheat or steal. The Government hates competition!

Jeff-oh · Mar 8, 2011

Gas here is $3.50US per US Gallon. with $0.44 tax.

John (UK) · Mar 8, 2011

Just so you can do a rough check without checking the actual timing. take out number one plug and turn the engine over with your finger or thumb over the plug hole, when that cylinder is going to fire you will feel the compression under your finger, keep turning until the piston is near the top of the cylinder, you will feel the compression stop under your finger, when it does that stop turning and look at where the rotor arm is pointing, it should point to number one plug lead, now work from there and don't forget that the distributor turns ccw so get the HT leads correct. If you want to time the ignition properly you can search through the archives like Jerry says or you can email me, tell me what you want and I can send it to you. [email protected]

2tractors · Mar 9, 2011

Once you get #1 to TDC, if you want #1 wire to be at 10 oclock then pull distributor out and re install. May take a couple of tries as the gear mesh turns pointer.

akwells · Mar 9, 2011

Wow, thanks for all the replies! This weekend I will try to time it and see how that goes. I"ll let you know what happens.

akwells · Mar 22, 2011

Well, I haven't had a lot of time to work on the timing, but a general thumb over the spark plug hole test indicates that the rotor in the distributor is at least in a generally correct position (its about the 7:00 position). I'll do some finer investigation soon.

I think (know) right now I have bigger problems with all the oil that its burning. When I get to trying to fix that, I'll be asking again. Thanks again.

Number one spark plug

akwells

Member

Hollis

Member

Bob (Aust)

Well-known Member

Hollis

Member

Hollis

Member

Jeff-oh

Well-known Member

Jeff-oh

Well-known Member

Hollis

Member

Jerry/MT

Well-known Member

Bob (Aust)

Well-known Member

Jeff-oh

Well-known Member

John (UK)

Well-known Member

2tractors

Well-known Member

akwells

Member

akwells

Member

Similar threads