QuestionI have a 1930 Graham Paige, model 612, with a in-line 6
cylinder continental engine. Where can I get information as
to the firing order, i.e which sparkplug wire location on the distributor goes to what plug. Thanks.
AnswerPart of it is easy: the firing order is 1 5 3 6 2 4 for all Continental 6 cylinder engines that I am aware of.
Finding out which position on the distributor cap is #1 cylinder is a bit more tricky.
Take out the front (#1) sparkplug, then place a tuft of Kleenex in the spark plug hole, and using a wrench on the center bolt of the crankshaft, or the manual crank if you have one, to turn the engine clockwise (viewed from the front of the car) slowly until you see the Kleenex puff up out of the hole. (Be careful that you don't suck the Kleenex down into the cylinder on the intake stroke - block the throttle valve open to prevent this.).
Now you know you are on the compression stroke on #1 cylinder. Stick a thin screwdriver or the like down into the spark plug hole at an angle away from the intake/exhaust manifolds, so as to feel the position of the piston, and slowly bring the piston all the way up to top dead center, still moving clockwise.
Now the rotor on the distibutor is pointing at the spark plug wire position for #1 cylinder. Plug that wire in, and then the other 5 in the firing order around the cap, making sure that you are going around the cap the right way (by watching which way the rotor turns as you crank the engine clockwise).
I hope this is clear enough - if not, ask me again.
Dick
