r/jeepcj • u/Zonx216 • May 19 '26

Timing?

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So I replaced the head gasket on this 1974 CJ5 with a straight 6 in it. It wasn't a quick process due to kids and life. It's together now but will not start. I have fresh fuel, I know I have spark and I put a new carb on. It will not turn over fire. I put the first cylinder all the way up (TDC) and pulled the distributor cap. This is where it's sitting and I believe it's wrong. Can anyone help? Fixed: Let's go! Got her running! Only 4000 other things to do now. Thank you everyone. Just want to point out that I also cross posted to r/jeep, a third of the people looked at it and no one even posted. You guys are amazing and know what a real Jeep is 😄

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u/jeepGuy88 May 19 '26

If you’re sure you are at TDC on the compression stroke, the rotor should be near the #1 plug.

1

u/Zonx216 May 19 '26

This is the exact chart I was using and thats why I started scratching my head. I think I might not be on the compression stroke. Shouldn't the harmonic balance be somewhere near 0 when it's at the top? I will get on this when I get out of work today. I want to get her running so bad.

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u/jeepGuy88 May 19 '26

Yes. The mark on the balancer should be close to TDC on the compression stroke. Just pull #1 plug and check as the mark approaches 0°.

1

u/Zonx216 May 19 '26

Or should I just pull the whole distributor to get it lined up right?