Another odd thing is when I'm moving the damper to zero, after I'm done I'll hear a creeping noise from the motor for a little bit. It slows then comes to a stop. I'll hear it about once a second for about 30 seconds, slowing as it stops.

 

I just noticed there are TWO markers on the damper. I was under the assumption there was only one.

 

Get ahold of yourself. I think you've gone off the deep end.

Put your thinking cap on and find TDC compression #1 cylinder. Don't cry about too many bits in the way to get at #1 - move them.

Have a helper turn the crankshaft until you feel air pushing up against your finger, then stop. Ease the damper to the timing marks, then follow the distributor instation instructions.

 

I found TDC by slipping a screwdriver down into the #1 plug hole. Once I saw it start to rise I got it to align at zero. I reinstalled the distributor per the instructions and still no luck. So as far as the instructions go by what I've done so far, it should be at TDC.

 

Screwdriver is no good, could be TDC on the exhaust stroke = 180° off.

 

Need to feel the pressure or hear the sound. Use a piece of hose or something.

 

So I'm guessing that's what the other mark is for. Both look identical. And in either case when I have either lined up, it seems to be at TDC. I will try and use a hose to feel for the pressure to make sure I'm lining it up with the right one.

The thing that baffles me the most is, it would at least start before I removed the distributor. Now it just won't start at all. Once I get a chance I may go rent a fuel pressure tester to see if it's at least getting fuel. I don't know what else to do to try and get the distributor right.

 

[QUOTE=Jooman07;2943180]So I'm guessing that's what the other mark is for. Both look identical. And in either case when I have either lined up, it seems to be at TDC. I will try and use a hose to feel for the pressure to make sure I'm lining it up with the right one.

The thing that baffles me the most is, it would at least start before I removed the distributor. Now it just won't start at all. Once I get a chance I may go rent a fuel pressure tester to see if it's at least getting fuel. I don't know what else to do to try and get the distributor right.[/QUOTE]

You've been told what to do. Find TDC compression on #1 cylinder then follow the installation instructions.

There is no second mark on the damper. Unless someone took a hacksaw to it for some reason.

Google 'finding top dead center compression stroke'. There's probably thousands of hits, including Youtube vids.

 

[QUOTE=CCKen;2943266]Who needs Google?

Setting Your 4.0 at #1 TDC


With #1 spark plug removed, turn the engine over clockwise using the 3/4" front crankshaft bolt. You will see the degree marks on your front cover. Mark the 0 with chalk or white-out. You will see the timing mark on the balancer. Mark it with chalk or white-out. While turning the engine over, put your finger/thumb over #1 spark plug hole. As the mark on the balancer approaches the marks on the front cover, if you are coming up on #1 TDC, pressure in the cylinder will push on your finger. If there's no pressure, you're at #6 TDC and need to crank the engine over until you see the marks coming together and you get pressure. Set the mark on the balancer to the 0 mark on the front cover.

 

Ok man I figured it out. Yes the distributor was in the wrong position but the main thing was what I was googling for the firing order was all wrong. And I'm guessing the guy before me saw the same thing. He even numbered each wore for each cylinder. #1 was one post too far which made all the other ones one post off as well. Once I corrected that it fired right up. I knew it had to be something simple. Thanks for your help and I apologize if I seemed to be an idiot on the matter. I followed your instructions it's just the damn wires were in the wrong places. Stupid mistake on my part, I had already checked but liked I said what I was looking up was wrong. After looking at my Haynes manual I just purchased I saw the correct way to do it. Thanks again for your help.

 

This is the diagram you wanna use.

 

Yep that's the way I have it now. Before #1 was in #4s spot and every one after that was off by one. It still has a spitter and a sputter here and there but it's night and day from what it used to be. Gonna change the wires and distributor cap and rotor cause the ones that are on it currently are pretty worn. Check the fuel pressure and such after that.

I've seen some where the fuel filter is online and others aren't. Mine is a 98 so are these in the fuel tank or outside?