Classic/Antique Car Repair: Firing orfer and spark plug assembly, exhaust stroke, diameter hole

Question
You emailed me saying you had answered this already once? I have only asked this once and I never got your answer .Thanks john

Answer
Actually, I did, John. And it was a very long and detailed answer, too.

I should save these on my own computer, as this isn't the first time this has happened...

Here's what you do:

Disconnect the coil wire.

Next, locate the timing marks by looking into the 1" diameter hole in the bell housing right near the starter. There should be a pointer there, aiming at the flywheel. There will be a ball-shaped protuberance welded to the flywheel. Crank the engine a bit at a time until you find the ball, and paint it white with some white-out so it's easy to see. A remote starter button really helps with this. You can make one up or buy one for about $7-10.

Next, pull the #1 plug out. Put your thumb or finger over the opening and crank the engine in short bursts, until you can feel the compression building up. Check to see if the timing mark is in sight. If it's not, you're 180° off, on the exhaust stroke. If it's in sight, you're halfway home. Pull the distributor cap and note where the rotor is, as well as the direction of rotation of the rotor. The cap contact that the rotor is about to touch will be your #1 plug.

Now, hook up all the cap and plug wires in the proper order. This engine has a firing order of 1-5-3-6-4-2. Remember the direction of rotation.

Loosen the distributor clamp enough that you can rotate the distributor by hand, and advance the timing just a few degrees. Hook up the coil wire, and the motor should start with a few cranks.

Next, you'll have to hook up a timing light to get it running just right. It helps to have all new parts in the ignition circuit, and a fairly new carb, to get it running really smooth. These do idel beautifully when they're set up correctly.

I'd like to suggest also that you purchase a shop manual so you can learn about your car. '55-7 Chevys are very simple and robust cars and last a long time with proper maintenance. I know--I've owned eight of them!

--Paul