Need some help finishing up my Skylark

Your distributor in not positioned correctly.

The vacuum canister is in the position marked "1" and should be in the position marked "2".

Remove the distributor cap.

Pull the number 1 cylinder plug and rotate the engine until the timing mark as about 25 to 35 degrees before top dead center, then seat a cork in the spark plug hole, and then bring it to top dead center and the cork should pop out. If not, rotate the engine another revolution to the 25-35 DBTDC and put the cork in, and this time it should pop out.

When it does, that will be the TDC of the compression stroke (plug firing position).

Then take a picture and post the top of the distributor, so we can see where the rotor is pointing.

It could be the distributor is not positioned correctly, or it may be turned way out of where it should be.

Pics will help make that clear.

 

Ahhh, there it is. Yeah, if should be on the left side and cylinders have be in the correct position or it will never run. Follow Mike's instructions above.

 

Thank you! I'm heading out for parts in a bit and will do this when I get back.

edit: Should I pull the distributor and install it where the vacuum is in position 1 (as above) prior to following those steps?

 

Pull distributor first, then get the engine at top dead center, then get the distributor pointing to number one plug wire (with vacuum port in right position), then stick it back in and make sure it goes completely in. That will bring it close to where it should be, but don't tighten it completely down. If it doesn't start you can rotate it left or right a little to get it to fire initially, then rotate it till it runs smooth (and keep your hands out of the fan and belts). Later, you can set the timing correctly.

 

I have seen distributors get cranks way out of home even though they are in the correct position, and why I asked Eric to get a pic before pulling it, in hopes that he may not have to.

But it is "good experience" (and fun, keep telling yourself your having fun), to do things over and over.
(axe me how I know!)

 

Here’s what I’m working with

 

There in lies my problem, I haven't fired the engine. Last it ran was on a stand after rebuild over a year ago. I pulled the distributor and reoriented so vacuum is oriented correctly. Heading to youtube to figure out where to go next. I've never messed with ignition stuff and my cap doesn't seem to be labeled so I'm not quite sure which #1 is. Sorry for the ongoing headaches but I really appreciate all of your guidance gents.

 

I was posting when you and Larry posted.

I'll back off, so as to not confuse things.

Larry will get you straight.

 

Additional photos

 

TDC mark on the balancer is straight down, easily visible from under the car.

 

Alright I think I’ve got it figured out. Watched some videos and took a stab at it. Oddly enough my after picture looks similar to my before picture wiring wise.

Was confident I had checked all my boxes and was going to try to start her today. Went to fill up the trans and got a leak underneath. Forgot about the damn kickdown. Fortunately the housing is still in place so I threaded the cable from the wrong part (thanks opgi) and frankensteined it together. I’m missing the bolt that holds it in place, gonna head to Ace tomorrow to grab a 1/4x20 1/2”.

Also have this dangling off of my wire loom, my mind said trans but I want to make sure. I searched my manual (thanks again for the tip Larry) and couldn’t find a positive answer.

I think if I get the cable bolted down tomorrow I can try to fire it up.

 

Oh sweet! I was racking my brain trying to think what hooks up there. I'll leave it dangling. Thanks again!

 

Well she runs! Thanks everybody for your wisdom. Few minor fixes to make (fuel line leaking from the rubber connections under the drivers door) and I should be good for a test drive soon.

 

Nothing like that feeling when she first fires up.

 

Man if my wifes '70 was that far along I'd be happy!

 

Replaced a couple of hoses to keep the fuel from leaking today, was able to drive it down the street of my neighborhood. Brakes are basically worthless, all the way to the floor to stop from 5mph. I'll be flushing that system next.

Stalled on me when I put it in reverse, messed with the idle a bit and seems to be OK for now. Plan on buying a timing light this week and dialing that in. Fixing minor things is much more fun than taking on the entire drivetrain!

 

Yep, except for the brakes. Some people consider them important, and they can sometimes be a real pain in the butt.