How to Time your New Engine, and it Start Instantly!

Many have built or assembled their engines and are unsure on how to start them for the first time. Quickly starting your engine for the first time is important, especially in todays world of flattened camshafts. I made this video because it is one of the most asked engine questions I get. For more information on ignition timing check out ‪@318willrun‬ and ‪@talljohnsfunshop2722‬ .

[@paullittle2037]

joe i have done it this way for many years and it has never failed me the only thing i do different is to take the number one plug out and put the wire back on it then turn the key to the on position and move the dist. back and forth a little to make sure it sparks.this never fails me

[@JustMoparJoe]

That’s an excellent idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@omcara1]

Yup great idea, could have come in handy that time I switched a 78 Cordoba from Lean Burn to Points and put the distributoo 180 degrees Bass Ackwards... It even started and ran like crap. But best of all it pinged while idling... It drove me nuts. Finally I gave up and called one of my Mopar buddies to come take a look to see if he had any Ideas. Nothing like a fresh set of eyes... He figured it out in about 2 minutes.... I said; "No way!" I thought I knew everything LOL

[@Comet-hn3gm]

Nice job, Joe. Been doing that for 40 years. Dang, now my secret is out. I don't have the time for a KZbin channel, let alone know how ! It's good that you are showing this to new up and comers. That way they can save a lot of time and head scratching.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. I know guys older than me that “twist the distributor every way” and it still won’t start 😅. I fear now that cams will be flat by the time they get started up.

[@edsmachine93]

Good job Joe. I like the Insta Start. That's the way it should be.💯 One step closer.👍 Take care, Ed.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Ed! Hope it helps someone

[@NilesJStJohn]

Thank you Joe for always sharing n teaching much needed for so many mopar knowledge and tricks. Really love your cylinder head porting and power making tips.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Niles!

[@NilesJStJohn]

@@JustMoparJoe your welcome Joe.

[@donaldhalls2189]

Sound's great, thanks for the video, all the best to you and your loved ones

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Donald! Have a good week

[@DuddiesAdventure]

Nailed that startup on the first try! Very Nice! Car sounds great!! Im also glad you didn't suffer any physical, mental, or emotional pain while wearing the Official Duddie's Adventure shirt!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Haha! I’m glad you saw it in action! Maybe I’ve proved it’s safety by having it in enough videos 😂

[@OneMoment581]

Thanks for posting this, no pun intended but the timing for the video is perfect for a project I am working on. Many thanks.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks, Kirk! Best of luck!

[@Scarlet_1971_cuda]

Nicely done. Thanks for the tips.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks John!

[@scottbatey3130]

Great way to save that Cam shaft on your 1st start up! good job Joe!!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Scott!

[@koboskolors]

Here I am Joe. Im watching this to refresh, I think you know whats about to happen. Bringing the thunder!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Awesome! Good luck buddy

[@johnelliott7375]

Another Fine production from JMJ production and crew! 🙌💥💯

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks John! Have a good week

[@1563smb]

Sounds great 👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Shane!

[@BigMikesHooptyBarn]

Good as always!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Big Mike!

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great video! Great process and tips Joe! Thanks for sharing!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Mitch!

[@danielpeterson446]

@@JustMoparJoe so do you gotta have it at 10 before? Cause I did this exact process on my truck and I went to start it but it kept just cranking for a few seconds. I didn’t mess with it further cause I have no mufflers. Just headers

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@danielpeterson446 the 10 before just ensures you get 10 degrees plus your initial advance

[@Anthony-nw5zv]

Excellent job 👌👍. Might take a bit to get those rings to set 📐.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Anthony. Ready to see it roll

[@318willrun]

If it pops right off, you did it right !!!!!!! Great video!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks, Tim. I want to send any further timing questions your way! You’ve got some good videos on it. 👍🏼

[@318willrun]

@@JustMoparJoe appreciate it!

[@dumpsterchicken6287]

Starts right up. Gotta like that.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Absolutely! Thanks brother

[@bryanmilstred5995]

Beautiful Coronet, awesome job !

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. New converter is built. I’m waiting on the transmission still 😵‍💫

[@Greg383BB]

The car sounds great and thanks for the lesson on timing

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. It’s a simple video, I hope it helps someone out there!

[@johnelliott7375]

Looks like me at 15 dying to get my car running behind the garage so my Grandma didn't whack me with her cane old timer trick knew where to hit for maximum punishment and redness. LOL

[@JustMoparJoe]

Haha!

[@TANNAMN]

Just the video I needed to get on my truck lol

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for the support

[@scottbruno7820]

You gotta love that all original 1 of a kind,Barney fender cover mat👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Haha! I almost thought about giving it away to a viewer in a prize pack someday 😂

[@mikestackhouse9001]

I just love that '65 Coronet Joe, especially in Red. The small block fits like a glove and your timing adjustment method is cool. Can't wait until you can take her out and stretch her legs. I always had names for my cars. I'm pickin' Roxanne for this one!

[@JustMoparJoe]

That’s slick! Thanks buddy!

[@thomasward4505]

I also do it the way Paul little does it in your comment section it works great. I am amazed to see how many people on KZbin don't do this at all and have backfires and all kinds of crazy stuff when it's not necessary at all

[@JustMoparJoe]

You’d be amazed at bigger Mopar channels of guys who can’t use a timing light. Hope this helps them.

[@LowDollarDude]

FYI, Copper header gaskets last, have had the same set since around 2008 and I'm sure they've been on and off 10-20 times

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks buddy. I ordered a set of aluminum multi layers, like I have on my barracuda. I always ran the coppers on my big block cuda.

[@apocolypse11]

Its amazing to me how little people know about timing with old cars. They always blame the carb.

[@BuzzJones]

That was cool, I got a fresh 340 I'm putting in a Cuda'

[@JustMoparJoe]

Awesome! Good luck on the project 👍🏼

[@moparnut6286]

A spark in time.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks John!

[@lilo2469]

Ty sir , 👍👍👍👍👍

[@tomreyn3610]

Pay Attention. Translate to ……

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Lilo

[@garryhatchett775]

I like to stay with the factory index of the distributor/oil pump drive orientation. It simplifies wire position and any diagnosis if problems arise later. Sounds good Joe. What mufflers?

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Garry. These are Jegs brand, magnaflow knock offs. I will show the part numbers in the exhaust videos

[@TheMoparman1978]

That's a fine playing organ

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother

[@bennyaguilera1158]

Hey nice video how do I need to lineup the distributor gear

[@JustMoparJoe]

It can go anyway you wish. From factory, I saw that big blocks put the slot of the gear perpendicular to the deck surface.

[@spencersfoodreviews541]

Excellent video what engine is it

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks! That’s a 74’ LA 360.

[@davesaylor5135]

What year are those valve covers and what engine did they come off have a set on my 71 swinger need passenger side oil fill cap good video

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Dave. These were from a 67 273.

[@davesaylor5135]

@@JustMoparJoe thank you

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@davesaylor5135 if you can’t find one, send me an email. [e-mail]

[@johnnybrigham8754]

What lines you match up without pointing rotor at #1 please help thank you Joe.

[@JustMoparJoe]

The lines of the rotor and the magnetic pickup inside distributor

[@texasmopar5557]

I did this about a hour ago on a fresh e58

[@JustMoparJoe]

Excellent! Mopar to the front! Thanks Neighbor

[@mrpurcountry]

Hey Joe question for you recently found a 69 barracuda 318 3-speed automatic unmolested doesn't have a grill minor dent in front fender it's dark green what would you think the value could be seats are little chewy floors are good trunks good quarters good?

[@JustMoparJoe]

Oh man. That’s a nice car. The easy answer is,”whatever Simeon would pay for it.” The more correct response would be maybe $6,000-8,000 depending on its completeness. Finding trim, etc. can be very expensive and time consuming.

[@mrpurcountry]

@@JustMoparJoe thanks for the reply I found out tonight did it has had some modifications and Oldsmobile positive traction rear end was put in it the rest of the car looks pretty stock has bucket seats and console speedometer shows 63,000 miles motor does not run

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@mrpurcountry that’s odd on the rearend, but easily fixable. My dart sport has an s10 rearend that someone swapped in 🤨

[@johnelliott7375]

180 out I would try and make sure she didn't hear anything try again a little bit later good enough to drive it around the neighborhood. Just in time for fall.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks John

[@michaelpreston2392]

What is that ignition module you are using?

[@JustMoparJoe]

This one is an FBO box, found on 4secondsflat.com

[@johnelliott7375]

Videos and the way your showing people how to do and how to tidy it up correctly afterwards is a great thing. Most would say that it is okay and the extra effort and time is no it worth it. How they are going to find out when a wire burns off ,or the end pulled off because they didn't spend the 20 seconds to move it under the temperature gage sensor or any of the 1001 things that if you want a reliable, good old fashioned looking ride, looking professionally done by a try top notch restoration or restomod custom the way you want it, take pride in it , spread out your time wisely, and take your time and care in your work. It is you vehicles ladies and gentlemen and we being where you are is unique and you can do things that you really want and can make anything, any way that you want. For now take advantage of the freedom that is left , and as Frank S would say , "I will do it my way"!!!. Thanks again JMJ we enjoyed and great evening to you all!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks buddy!

[@belloa3026]

What should a 1978 Chrysler 400 engine timing be set at? It says 5 degrees but can't move the distributor that far because vacuum hits manifold

[@JustMoparJoe]

You may have to pick up the distributor and the intermediate shaft, and reset them. I would aim for around 10-12 degrees initial if it’s a bone stock engine. Also check the advance curve after you rev it to 3,500. The firecore should be light years ahead of the old stock distributor. 318 will run has a good video on finding the best initial timing for your engine.

[@70Chally383]

I bought an e-body Challenger with a 383. It runs rough so I decided to go through the tune starting with timing. There was no timing mark on the balancer. So I found TDC on the compression stroke with a piston stop and marked the balancer. Then rolled the engine counter-clockwise back to about 12 BTDC. Next I followed your video and lined up the pickup coil with the reluctor. But when I put the rotor back in, it is not directly under any of the distributer cap posts. It is rotated counter-clockwise about 1/3 of the way past one post, 2/3 before the next post. Ever come across this? Any ideas what is going on with this?

[@JustMoparJoe]

It’s very possible, depending on the distributor,rotor, or cap manufacturers. Some people don’t line up the rotor at all. Locating the correct number 1 and the verifying fire order is important. If you can get it back running, throw your timing light on and see where it’s at for initial and total. Be sure you have a good set of plugs in the car(ngk or autolite). Also check wires and connection to coil. Also check vacuum lines for any leaks.

[@70Chally383]

@@JustMoparJoe Thanks for the fast reply! I expected the rotor to be perfectly aligned with a post on the cap once the reluctor was aligned with the pickup coil. But it is ~15 degrees past one post, ~30 degrees before the next post. I can put everything back the way it was before and see if runs. At least I have a TDC mark on the balancer now :-) Really not understanding how this thing was running at all now...

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@70Chally383 good luck 👍🏼

[@jackwells1452]

Is Barney fender cover available in you're merchandise, lol

[@JustMoparJoe]

I may give this one away! 😂

[@jackwells1452]

@@JustMoparJoe That lucky bastard

[@dahut3614]

I was wondering about the direction of rotation- good tip about the vacuum advance can. Also, nice TDC on compression stroke trick with the finger on the plug hole.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. We always end up Spinning an engine when putting in converter bolts, getting oil to the rockers, etc. This is the fastest way I can imagine to get it back.

[@omcara1]

Just dont use your pinky finger if you have small hands... Just Sayin...😀

[@jimgagne3801]

where are the sparky round things in the distributor ?

[@JustMoparJoe]

Maybe the reluctor wheel? I’m not sure what is sparky? Sparking? Sparkling, as in shiny?

[@CodyLandrum-nn1rh]

I need help Joe! My 318 won't get any spark and I can't figure it out

[@JustMoparJoe]

[e-mail] I can try to help

[@connerjohnson2855]

I have a 360 that dose not run or idle at all did timing everything need help

[@JustMoparJoe]

Always start simple: Fuel, Fire, Air. If it has spark when you turn it over, and fuel when you pump the carb, then it should start. You can send me an email and I can try to help. [e-mail]

[@joshplumlee1533]

What engine you running?

[@JustMoparJoe]

This is an LA 360 that was swapped in place of the original poly

[@bholste1]

Hey Joe thanks for the video. Did you set the initial timing with the vacuum line disconnected? I’m trying to time my 440 correctly and I would like to start for scratch with your method. My car pulses a little while driving, so I know the timings off a little and it’s a new engine. I adjusted it some but slower to start and falls on it’s face when stomping on the gas and then picks up. Time to start from scratch I think. Guess you can tell I’m a rookie but trying to learn.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Yea sir: always time without the advance connected. You may need to recurve the distributor and be sure you have correct fuel pressure. 👍🏼

[@bobriekki3444]

Get rid of that white rotor, i had the same one come apart at the top end 1/4- mile track. I was lucky and rolled all the way off track on to the shut off area.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Will do. I usually like the ones made by Mopar.

[@69dodgecharger440]

I like to rotate engine back then forward to timing mark desired to take any slack out of timing chain. Great videos 😎

[@JustMoparJoe]

Great point! I usually do that when degreeing the cam

[@big3fan916]

NO NO NO Joe ! my OCD will never allow this ! lol

[@JustMoparJoe]

I’m working on it 🫡

[@TimOwen-fq2ik]

What does your kids think about you using there sheets ?

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@TimOwen-fq2ik they don’t use them anymore after the incident..

[@cavaleiro95]

Does it matter where you start number 1? Every diagram I see number 1 is opposite of where you have number 1

[@JustMoparJoe]

It absolutely doesn’t matter. I think the factory set them all the same on the production line. Just be sure to make number one the closet to where it goes under the cap.

[@Mopardude]

This is similar to how I do it. I never likes the idea of moving the intermediate shaft a tooth or 2 off. It doesn't give you enough adjustability in my opinion. Plus its a good way to knock stuff into the engine.

[@roberthall5245]

Then you take it to a mechanic and they are like what the hells going on with the plugs. Its not hard to spin the pump gear where its pointing to number 1 piston

[@JustMoparJoe]

Be your own mechanic and not worry about it

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

🇦🇺👍🏻

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thank y’all so much for the support!

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

👍🏻🇦🇺

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother

[@Meche697]

Lost you at 3:55. Couldn't tell what your aligning. Bought a previously running engine and someone took the distributor out, trying to figure out best way of stabbing it back in ...

[@JustMoparJoe]

After dropping distributor in, pull cap. Pull number one plug, rotate engine until it poots on your finger. I like to then turn the timing mark on the balancer to 10 degrees before the zero. Next, look at your cap and see which lug the rotor is pointing at. That’s number one.

[@johnnybrigham8754]

What's a f b o box Joe?

[@JustMoparJoe]

It’s an ecu from 4secondsflat.com

[@baims8367]

Sure this works but wrong with just and and just DOING TEXT BOOK CORRECT?? 🤷🏼 #1 point s towards #1 for a few reasons 1 being plug order and lengths ..

[@JustMoparJoe]

This is the cliff notes version

[@tomreyn3610]

The same way I do it. Easy. Why would you do it anyway else? Guess you need u-tube content. * next, 8 minute video how you clean your finger nails.

[@JustMoparJoe]

You must have missed the description. This is the most asked question I get. So I made a specific video about it. Thanks for sharing.

[@HoosierGarage]

If you comment, its worth the upload.

[@bzw8401]

Tom, Do you suffer from very dirty fingernails? Joe can probably find some links to other channels for you if necessary, he’s a good guy like that.

[@taylorhumes7567]

How can you tell how much advance your distributor has?

[@JustMoparJoe]

With your timing light, after it’s running, unplug vacuum advance if you have it, then shoot the balancer. Rev the engine to 3,000 and hold it. Check the timing again at the distributor. That difference is the mechanical advance total. You can go back to idle, plug in vacuum advance, and see how much it adds at idle.