dizzy on 2.3

[86ranger4x4owner]

i got a 86 ranger with a 2.3l and i have a question about the dizzy cap on the cap there is a number one is that where the number one spark plug wire go or should i go by the haynes manuel?

 

[tomw]

If the engine has NEVER had the distributor removed, then likely the fitting at the #1 on the cap will hold with the #1 plug wire. With the engine at TDC, the rotor should point to #1 plug wire if it is on the compression stroke, or to the #4 plug wire if #1 is on exhaust @TDC.
Bump the starter to get the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley close to TDC, and then pull the distributor cap to check where the rotor is pointing. You can leave the cap off to bump it more if you wish. BE careful, with the cap in place, the engine could start and make fingers or other parts hurt...
tom

 

[86ranger4x4owner]

If the engine has NEVER had the distributor removed, then likely the fitting at the #1 on the cap will hold with the #1 plug wire. With the engine at TDC, the rotor should point to #1 plug wire if it is on the compression stroke, or to the #4 plug wire if #1 is on exhaust @TDC.
Bump the starter to get the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley close to TDC, and then pull the distributor cap to check where the rotor is pointing. You can leave the cap off to bump it more if you wish. BE careful, with the cap in place, the engine could start and make fingers or other parts hurt...
tom

the dizzy has been removed before but i know the firing order but where should the number one wire be on the cap?there is a number one written at one of the termninals on the cap is this where the number one spark plug wire goes?or can someone please show me a picture of the dizzy?with all the wires on it and the correct position of which way the number one plug terminal should be pointing to

 

[tomw]

You put the plug wires anywhere you want as long as 1)you have them in the correct firing order, and 2) you have placed the distributor body and the distributor rotor such that the rotor is coming up on wire #1's spot when the crankshaft is coming up on TDC and the camshaft is on the #1 compression stroke.
It doesn't matter where the distributor itself points as long as everything lines up timing wise.
To start, put the engine at TDC, #1 on compression. Pull the cap. If the rotor points to near where the #1 PLUG WIRE is located, then you should be good-to-go. Set the timing. If the rotor does not point to #1, rotate the distributor until it is. If that is not possible, you have to remove the distributor from the engine, rotate the distributor while it is out, and then replace it back into the engine so that the rotor points to WHEREVER the #1 wire is in the cap. You can alternatively move the wires around in the cap to make things line up. The distributor doesn't care where the #1 is embossed onto the cap.
tom

 

[86ranger4x4owner]

You put the plug wires anywhere you want as long as 1)you have them in the correct firing order, and 2) you have placed the distributor body and the distributor rotor such that the rotor is coming up on wire #1's spot when the crankshaft is coming up on TDC and the camshaft is on the #1 compression stroke.
It doesn't matter where the distributor itself points as long as everything lines up timing wise.
To start, put the engine at TDC, #1 on compression. Pull the cap. If the rotor points to near where the #1 PLUG WIRE is located, then you should be good-to-go. Set the timing. If the rotor does not point to #1, rotate the distributor until it is. If that is not possible, you have to remove the distributor from the engine, rotate the distributor while it is out, and then replace it back into the engine so that the rotor points to WHEREVER the #1 wire is in the cap. You can alternatively move the wires around in the cap to make things line up. The distributor doesn't care where the #1 is embossed onto the cap.
tom

Ok thanks for the help i have everything correct i guess it is something else