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I have a 1980 Lincoln Mark VI engine 351w 5.8L. I changed the distributor cap and rotor and wires during a tune up. Now the car wont start. So i have an MITCHELL Auto Repair Program plus went to ALLDATA. Still confused one says the carry over design rotor funny looking has contacts on top and bottom since i can not post pics or html to link to a pic kinda hard to explain. I used ALLDATAS link to a 1982 FORD LTD CROWN VICTORIA since it had the V8 351 5.8L VIN G 2BBL. Found the NO 1 cyl removed plug cranked engine felt pressure. Now from here it says turn engine slowly until timing mark shows 10 degrees after TDC then align rotor with alignment slot on adaptor Ok i guess. Now gets funnier one page says firing order counter clock wise and since rotor doesent point to number one tower picture shows number one tower on cap is two over from cap clip firing order 1 3 7 2 6 5 4 8. But when i read more it says the DURA SPARK III unique distributor with its two level design the firing order is molded into the cap and i shouldnt use the counter clock method HELP is the 10 degrees ATDC correct to align rotor? Is the number one tower 2 over from the cap clip since rotor aligns another way? And the firing order is it the cap numbers or counter clock wise order. Thanks  

WOW NO REPLIES ANY HELP WELCOME  

Not familiar with your system but would go with the firing order
molded into the cap. The rotor should align only one way on distributor shaft.Most auto parts stores sell the HAYNES repair manual for your
car for about $ 15-17. In it you can find more details and correct firing order.  

Vandy thank you. I have the HAYNES #59010 but hearing and seeing to many different things one picture says #1 at 1oclock position Lincoln forum says no its at 10oclock. My MITCHELL AUTO REPAIR says go off numbers molded on cap. Other forum and ALLDATA says no use firing order counter clock wise.But thanks for the reply  

Sorry I don't have enough knowledge of your system to advise you
either way. Good luck with it ! My guess is to go with the numbers
molded on the cap.  

you could turn the key with the cap removed to get the clockwise or counterclockwise figured out (watch the rotor turn) then line up the timing marks again and you should get it close enough to start, finish fine tuning with a timing light, your description of the rotor reminds me of an old school dual point distributor.  

Better have it service to solve the problem more accurately.

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