8N side dist have compression and 1/4 spark but not...

8N with side distributer, spark will jump 1/4", compression 120,120,90,120; but will not start. Located compression on #1 cylinder, wired plugs for rotator button to # 1 cylinder, wired 1.2.4.3, will hit, but will not hit the second time, swapped carb with rebuilt one no luck, rewired number one to number 2 wire on distributor, then rewired number one to number 3 (in other words moved wires one place forward then one place backward), still will not start, tried starting fluid every time dried plugs with propane torch between trials. This one has me whupped. Need help from YT experts. Thanks,

Hiya,

Set everything back the way ya had it in the beginning of your post... Firing order is 1,2,4,3 leave it. Sounds like your timing is just a hare off... If it's off just a tiny bit ... No go.

Loosen the clamp on the distributor shaft so it's snug but you can still rotate it by hand. Have sombody on the starter button cranking it over while you advance or retard the distributor clockwise or counter clockwise.... Listen while you make your adjustments while cranking for improvents in starting or lack. Small 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch rotations at a time.

Just keep in mind not to crank on it too long without a break or you will be replacing starter wires.

99 percent of the time that's the fix. Even if it's just a lil off it will no go. Give it a try and report back. Good luck

You are setting the order to 1-2-4-3 COUNTER clockwise?
If so, I would put #1 cylinder on TDC of compression stroke
and look at where the rotor is pointed. If it's pointed to a post
at that time, that's where #1 plug wire goes.
Otherwise, I would set the static timing per the book.

Distributor timing side mount

Remove the spark plug from the number one (front) cylinder. Turn the engine over with a finger in the spark plug hole and the ignition switch in the off position until you feel the compression begin to push your finger off the hole. Finish turning the engine over buy hand with the fan or by placing in fourth gear and moving the tractor slowly forward by pushing on the rear wheel until the #1 piston is at top dead center of the compression stroke you?ll need a helper or have long arms to use the wheels to find TDC. Exact TDC can be checked by removing the timing hole cover on the flywheel housing and turning the engine by hand till the TDC mark comes up at the timing window.

Install the distributor into the hole and turn the distributor shaft until the rotor is pointing to the #1 mark on the distributor cap. If the cap has no #1 then just point the rotor to any position on the cap to one of the plug wire holes.

Turn the distributor slightly until the points just open and then back a couple degrees opposite the direction of rotation for the rotor. Direction of rotation for the NAA and up is clockwise.

8N turns counter clockwise. (left)

Install the wires into the cap in the direction of rotation of the rotor as if the engine were running which is counterclockwise and in the firing order for the engine to the appropriate spark plug in firing order.. 8N firing order is 1243

After the engine is running you can turn the distributor right or left until it sounds best. Not labored or skipping. If it pings when under a load then turn the distributor in the direction of the rotation of the rotor slightly. Or if it seems to try to kick back against the starter do the same. The best place is just adjust to the point that it pings and then back the other way until it doesn?t ping under heavy load.

Never mind the timing marks.

Zane

Are the plugs getting wet?