20 Most Recent 1966 Ford Mustang - Page 3 Questions & Answers

Okay, you have to set the number 1 cylinder at TDC of its compression stroke, and then drop in the distributor so the rotor is pointing to the #1 spark plug wire tower. This should start the car, then you could set the timing to spec with a timing light. There are two TDC's of a cylinder- the compression stroke and the exhaust stroke. To find the compression stroke, take out the #1 cylinder spark plug. Put your finger over the hole. Now either turn the engine over by hand (with a socket on the crankshaft pulley-turn clockwise), OR have a helper bump the starter over in as short bursts as possible. As soon as you feel pressure on your finger- stop turning- the piston in #1 is rising on its compression stroke. Now check the timing pointer or scale by the crank pulley. Turn the engine slowly on over until the notch or mark on the crank pulley is right on the zero degrees mark on the scale. This is TDC of compression stroke-the piston is at top of travel in the cylinder. Put the distributor in so the rotor will be pointing to the #1 spark plug wire.

Modify with this addition

How to Set the Timing on 1965 Ford 289 eHow step by step guide and a vid on distributor placement. If you do not have a light, try to borrow one to confirm your position/timing are good...there's a video on the ignition timing as well.

Did you hook up the vacuum modulator on the transmission to the correct vacuum port on that Mustang engine?

Is it over filled?You cold try cleaning the valve bodyI guess you have a modulator,is that leaking fluid,pull of vacuum hose & check

Do all

check for power at or near socket. Maybe the socket has lost continuity. recommend replacement

check the wire loom from the boot to under the back seats, I have herd over time the back seat can cut the wiring loom as the metal in the back seat can cut the wires. saw this on a classic cars site a few years ago. you will need to fix the wires back and reseal the wires with sealing tape. also make sure the wiring is back out of the way for the seat.

would be nice to know what kind of car it is because a 66 mustang doesn't have ANYTHING digital...

Behind the dash is what they call a constant voltage regulator. It controls the guages. It's small and located behind the dash near speedo.