1990 sohc distributor timing and wire location

[sticky_steve]

I was wondering if anyone has seen this, I have a 90 sohc and it runs just fine, but i was playing with the distributor. Advancing it about half a degree and it seems to run a bit better. But then the exhaust was making a different noise, and the engine rocks kinda hard when i stop. So i put the timing back where it was but the problem is still there.SSSSOOOOOwhat do you guys think, is the timing still off a little or what?and also i took off the cap and found out that at 15 BTDC the rotor is in the #1 position, but the wire thats on that contact point is #4. So I re-arranged the cables according to what everyone says, and no startup.

4 3

2 1

This is what my distributor looks like and runs fine

1 2

3 4This is what im told should work, but no workie.

Any help is appreciated

[Vegascorbin]

Firing Order is 1-3-4-2 count the pistons from front to back 1,2,3,4Distributor rotates COUNTERCLOCKWISE.

Hook everything up that way, then verify that you have rotor pointing in the direction of #1 when #1 is at TDC.

It should start. Remember that when setting the timing you need to dissconnect the TPS.

A small adjsutment on the Dist. makes a big change on timing so go slowly and carfully.

[sticky_steve]

I did all of that and no start. Rotated the crank pully to TDC and then checked that the dist. was pointing at #1 and then hooked #1 to that contact and then #3, #4, and #2 in a counter clockwise direction. No start.

[sticky_steve]

bump

[Vegascorbin]

So it ran (poorly but ran) when you had plug 4 connecred to number 1 on the distributor and when you connected it the right way it won't run?

I don't think you have it wired the way you think you do. Time for either photos or beter yet a knoldgeable friend.

[sticky_steve]

No, it runs great with #4 cylender is pluged into #1 and so on. I've been working on car for years now and i agree, a fresh pair of eyes would help. So i went to the dealership and asked them the same thing, (by the way the manager has a 240), and he said that with #4 wire on #1 contact is correct. And i was just stumped. He said that if its not broke thn don't fix it. so with the wires like this

4 3

2 1

Its runs just fine. Oh well thanks anyways