[beam6325]

When detailing my Hot Rod for a Car Show, I removed my ignition wires (one-by-one) from their wiring harness/brackets and wiped them off with ArmorAll Protective Wipes. I thought I was being carefull to get the right wires back in the right places, but maybe not? When the work was done, I started the motor up and went for a drive. The motor started right up, but seemed to idle just a little rough (nothing major), but then when I backed off the gas, the car back-fired at low rpm's. Also, didn't seem to have the original horsepower? The motor is a Chevy Small Block 350 with a stock (Advance Auto Parts) HEI Ignition. I know the firing order on the block/cylinders, etc., but what about the distributor cap? Starring at the front of the block & distributor, which is #1,#2,#3,etc.? I looked for numbers, on the cap, but no luck? Could I have a couple wires crossed - in the wrong position? (I know the ones on the plug ends are in the correct position, they fit right back in their brackets as assembled. Anybody got a drawing of the firing order on the cap? Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[docvette]

Doc here,

Your first mistake MAY have been putting Amoral on HEI plug wires..If they are even slightly broken down, they will crossfire like a bigdawg.....

Second, The Fire Order is, for an SBC, 1, 8, 4, 3, 6, (And this is important) **-->5, 7,<--** 2...IF 7 and 5 Are reversed..It will display the performance issues you describe also. 5 and 7 are most common because they are the ONLY 2 wires next to each other at BOTH ends..So Triple CHECK!!

Direction of rotation is Clockwise, and Traditionally #1 plug tower is located between 5 and 7 O'Clock..(although it could be anywhere predicated on clearance issues.)

Facing the engine...
The Driver's side bank:
1
3
5
7

The Passenger's Side Bank:
2
4
6
8

Doc

[beam6325]

Hi Doc,

Thanks for your help! You were right ... #5 & #7 were reversed. It wasn't the ArmorAll after all. The ignition wires are Taylor Brand and are like new, so I figured it was probably something else. (I forgot to mention, I Armor-All'd one side at a time, days apart. After doing the passenger side first, I had driven the car with no problems) Just in case though, I think next time I'll use WD40. Glad you "suggested" I Triple check my work. Thanks again!
Grant
p.s. - know anything about keeping chrome headers from bluing or tarnishing?
(see my post & thread under General Hot Rod discussion)

[docvette]

Doc here,



Doc