New Distributor, Now Truck Won't Start
 

1995 Ram ½ ton, 4x4 318 cu. in. I had to remove the distributor because while doing a tune up the dist. cap screw broke off. I did not mark the position of the distributor before removal... my very first dodge.

I've been working on this problem for too many evenings now. I have found this forum very useful in tracking down a cause. It is delivering fuel, I am getting spark to the plugs. The engine doesn't even try to start but, when I press the gas pedal it will choke and pop. So, I think the problem I'm having probably relates to fuel sync. Will turning the distributor have any effect on fuel sync? I'd like to get it running? Even just well enough to get to the dealership for fuel sync/tune up... and avoid the tow.

Thanks.
Jake

Try putting the gas pedal to the floor than turning it over.

also check to make sure the wire are hooked to the right plugs, it wont fire right unless the wires are right

Sounds like its 180 off.

That would be my guess as well.

Yes where your distributor is positioned is a very big deal and will throw the sync way off even if you just slightly off the mark.

Maxx wrote up a very detailed DIY on this specific tune-up, and I recommend you read it over. Should be in the FAQ or DIY section ....look it up, very useful stuff

BTW why did you replace the whole distributor over a broken cap screw? Same exact thing happened to me 5 weeks ago when I replaced my cap n rotor, pass side screw broke off (didn't PB or WD the screw)...And I just used a self tapping screw and had no problem doing that. It is very secure (damn near impossible to pull out with reserve bit due to location and major lack of room to operate...

I'm pretty sure I've got the correct wires going to the right plugs. I have verified spark at the plugs. As far as 180 off... when I installed the new dist. I cranked it around to tdc and pointed the rotor toward cylinder #1... umm, the actual cylinder, not the #1 prong marked on the dist... would that be correct or is that exactly how to do it wrong? And for replacing distributor over a broken screw, I tried using a reverse bit after I removed it but, the bit broke off and I never even thought of a self-tapper... Great tip.

Unbolt the dist. and raise it enough to rotate the rotor 180 so it lines up with the oil pump shaft. Drop it back down and aim the distributor as close as you can remember to where it was originally. It should start and run good enough to get to the dealer and have them set the sync.

Number one is at TDC twice.... once when it fires, (in which event, the rotor should be pointing at the number one terminal on the cap..) and once when Number 6 fires.... (and the rotor should be pointing at number 6...)

If you are 180 out, it won't start, but, it sure will make some rude noises. :D

And btw, the base of the distributor has a notch in it , the mounting bracket has a small tooth (for lack of a better word) on the bottom side in the center where it contacts the dist. If you tighten the nut slightly and rotate the dist you will feel it. At least both of my trucks have it.