Ferrari 308 GTS valve adjustment

Hi everyone, I have a 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS. I just wanted to know if I can pick your brains. I pulled off the distributor on P1-4 (back of the car). I never marked it before taking it off. So after pulling my valve covers off and completed all the measuring, I took off the timing indicator cover to access the fly well and gently in forth gear pushed the car forward a few rotations until I reached 7 degrees before TDC PM1-4. I then placed the distributor back to make sure the the rotator point on the distributor is point to the red marker. Does this sound OK. Also if anyone can confirm for me the process to re-install distributors. My understanding is that you set timing at 7 degrees before TDC and make sure the distributor rotator points to red mark on distributor (Piston # 1) and then for the pistons closest to fire wall you turn flywheel at 7 degrees before TDC PM5-8 and then make sure distributor pointer for PM5-8 points to red marker. Let me know your thoughts. I appreciate any information provided.

 

Hi Steve, I have my valve covers off as I am currently performing valve adjustment. Yesterday I turned the flywheel a couple of rotation by pushing the car forward in 4th gear and and found PM1-4 on flywheel I placed the distributor in to ensure that the rotator was pointing to the red mark. I actually tried after one rotation of the flywheel and it never worked after a second rotation I had the rotator match the red mark on distributor. I also checked cylinder one to ensure that shims were freely moving, my cam marks where dead on which surprised me.

 

My next step is cylinders 5-8. I will take off distributor and measure up valve clearance. So I will have both distributors off and valve covers. When putting it all back together sorry if I am repeating myself, I will turn flywheel at 7 degrees BDC PM1-4 and install distributor and make sure that the rotator is aiming toward the red mark, then screw in bolts. and install caps and wires. I will then turn the flywheel until I find 7 degree BTDC PM5-8 and install distributor to ensure that rotator is aimed towards the red mark and install cap and plugs. More then one rotation of the flywheel maybe needed to ensure that rotator is aimed at red mark. Question at 7 degrees before TDC for PM1-4 the rotator will fire on piston number one first correct?.

 

HI Steve, thank you so much for the help. Would it be best to look inside the distributor to ensure that the points are touching when 1-4 cylinder distributor rotor is aimed at red mark. Is that how you would verify that points are ready to fire as my car still has original points.

 

I have points R1 and R2 working

 

Hi Steve, I have my R2 distributor in my hand. I am turning the distributor and only one set of points is opening and closing the other looks like its staying connected. Should both points be opening and closing.

 

Hi Steve, I only have the R2 distributor in my hand, the R1 is still connected. As only one set of points is opening and closing while I spin the rotor on the R2 distributor, do you recommend I adjust that both open and close, or should I just install new points. It looks like the cam lob is not making any connection with the point that is remaining closed.

 

Hi Steve, sorry man, I am referring to the 1-4 distributor with R1 and R2 points. I have not taken off the 5-8 distributor as of yet. Looking at the 1-4 distributor yesterday noticed that one of the points remained closed. I imagine I should change out the R1 and R2 points and reset the gap. What are your thoughts.

 

Thank You Steve. I read the section. Both need to be working. I think I am going to go ahead replace points, condensors and coils. I think I know why my car was running so bad now. So much to these cars. Its fun though. I really appreciate your help man.