I feel like an idiot for having to ask this, but I cannot seem to locate a diagram showing how the ignition should be hooked up on a 1987 4.2. It is either all AJ16 or Jeeps upon further examination and I don't see anything in the linked electrical diagram, but perhaps I am just missing it.

I saw a video that refers to the front most cylinder as 6, which ends up plugged into the dizzy cap on the bottom nearest the screw, but I have no idea if this is right. I tried searching the forums but the keywords necessary bring up too many no-start and performance diagnosis threads.

I'm astounded I can't easily find a diagram

 

#1 cylinder at rear

Distributor turns counter-clockwise

Firing order 1 5 3 6 2 4

This thread has some pics

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...timing-191389/


Cheers
DD

 

When I was a kid I was taught that 15 is too young, 36 is too old, but 24 was just right!!!!!!!!!! 153624
Most common 6 cylinder firing order.

bob

 

Doug, there is a response to the pic in that thread saying the Haynes manual says otherwise. Do you know which is correct?

 

Thanks but Idk where that really leaves me without pulling plugs, and turning the engine over by hand to TDC. Any idea where #1 is actually plugged into the distributor?

 

In the thread I linked posting #15 has a pic of the wires on the cap. I recall that being correct from my Series III XJ6....but it's been a few years.

Cheers
DD

 

 

Right, my question was about the reply that immediately succeeded this image which claimed that the Haynes manual says differently. So which is correct?

 

If the Haynes manual IS correct (which, so far, we don't know) it isn't of much help to us right now UNLESS you have one in front of us to look at and follow. Do you?

If the Haynes manual ISN'T correct (which, so far, we don't know) then you're no worse off than you are now

If the above picture is correct then you're good to go.

If the above picture isn't correct then you're no worse off than following an incorrect Haynes manual

In reality it makes no difference where you begin the wiring sequence on the cap so long as you start with #1 at TDC compression and follow the correct order and direction.

Cheers
DD

 

It just seems like a silly thing to be so difficult to find and I thought maybe I could quickly google it instead of pulling a plug and finding TDC on #1 but I guess that's what I will need to do.

I just got the car and haven't had it running yet. So if I get it back together and it doesn't start, I'll immediately have to question the ignition wiring and I thought it was worthwhile to try and get the correct answer to begin with.

Does anyone know whether the sequence will be the same on the 3.6? I have the manual for that but didn't want to assume.

 

.

 

This ONLY assumes that the engine has not been dismantled since it left the factory OR that someone did repair it and installed the Dist Drive CORRECTLY!!!!!!!

Many people that rebuild the engines do NOT install the drive correctly and just install it any way it ends up.

I ALWAYS installed the 'offset' oriented EXACTLY as it was when the engine was originally built so the dist aligned correctly.

bob

 

Forget Haynes. Follow Bob and Doug.


Or, now having the following:


1. Firing order.
2. Distributor rotation.
3. cylinder number from the fire wall forward 1 through 6.
4. firing order.
Determine the fire TDC of number one. Set it up from there.


Make a note, picture or diagram and save them for the future.


Carl

 

The plot thickens. I'll be sure to update this thread whenever I find the ultimate answer lol. I'll definitely try a members recommendation before I'd go with whats in a Haynes manual lol.

 

After asking someone to send pics that also has a 1987 XJ6, it appears that the Haynes manual is correct, with 1 being at about 11 o'clock and 6 being closest the bottom screw.