MG Car Repair: MG 1973 Midget, spark plug wires, tdc mark

Question
QUESTION: My MG wouldn't start after I replaced a plate that was under the distributor (due to rust). I need to match up the spark plug wires to the distributor and have the rotor pointing correctly. What do I do first? Where is piston #1 located on the engine??
Thanks
David


ANSWER: Hi David,
First set the front pulley timing mark at TDC and with all of the plugs out put the gear lever in 4th gear with the hand brake off. Now, use the top of the front tire as the leverage to role the car forward and backward while you put a thumb in #1 plug hole. If You feel compression then reset the pulley mark back to TDC. If you do not feel compression on your thumb role the car forward until you rotate the crankshaft only one revolution and back to TDC. Now double check that now you do feel compression on your thumb when you role the car back and forth a little.
Now remove the distributor cap and look where the rotor is pointing to which pin in the cap. That is #1 wire. The firing order is 1342 around the cap.
Howard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Howard,
Where is the Front Pulley Timing Mark? "First set the front pulley timing mark at TDC"
Where is spark plug number one on the manifold?
Thanks!!
David


Answer
Hi David,
The ignition timing marks are on the crankshaft front pulley (a notch in the edge of the pulley)with pointers on the bottom of the timing cover just behind the pulley which can only be viewed from under the front of the car with a light. The pointers hang down from behind the pulley and the pointer that is closest to the passenger (left side as viewed from the front) is longer and it is the "TDC" mark. (Top Dead Center)

The #1 plug is the front plug and that is the head not the manifold.
If you are going to keep this car you should purchase a shop manual for the car. Check with your local auto parts stores for one that sells "Haynes" manuals. They have a lot of useful information and any problems that are not covered, you should contact us and we will be glad to help.
Howard