Dizzy Wire Sequence

[RandyMolson]

My plug wires are in the cap in the correct sequence. However, they are shifted one position clockwise from the #1 cylinder slot. I mean, the #2 wire is at the #1 cylinder slot. This is a relatively new car. Any idea why the shift? Does it matter?

[Pinepig]

Some moron pulled the dizzy and put it back wrong or they turned it too far and just redid the wire to compensate.

Don't think it matters on a 2002, on some aircooled VWs they had the #3 rearded about 3 deg because that cylinder ran hotter ( behind the oil cooler and all )

You can put it on correctly if you want. Just set the car to TDC #1, pull the dizzy and reset it.

[Lee]

Zündfolge 1-3-4-2

[RandyMolson]

Yeah, I can't think of any reason why it should matter which plug wire lines up with the #1 slot as long at the firing order is correct.

I stumbled across this because I am in the process of installing a Crane XR3000, and the manual says to line up the timing lines and make sure the #1 wire lines up with the #1 dizzy mark, before installing the optical sensor. By the same logic, I don't see why it should matter.

From searches, I see there may be issues with setting the ignition up 180-degrees out of sync if I don't confirm it is at TDC. I am thinking the manual wants me do the #1 mark setup to confirm the TDC sync.

[Chris_B]

No, it doesn't matter. Presumably, if your car has been running OK, the timing is set properly or pretty close to it. Note that if you line up marks on the dizzy body and head and shift the wires back, you are not at all guaranteed that the timing will be set properly. You will need to verify the timing with a timing light after this procedure (if your motor will start and run OK) or check the static timing with a 12V test light.