Isuzu Rodeo w/3.1L engine

1. Connect the distributor's B+ (battery) terminal to a switched 12-volt source, such as the ignition switch.

2. Connect the distributor's tach terminal to the tachometer signal wire, if you have a tachometer.

3. Connect the distributor's ground wire to a good engine ground.

4. Connect the distributor's #1 spark plug wire to the #1 spark plug on the engine. The #1 spark plug is usually located on the driver's side front cylinder.

5. Connect the remaining spark plug wires in firing order sequence to the distributor cap terminals. The firing order for a Buick 455 engine is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.

6. Install the distributor cap and rotor.

Engine knocking usually cause by wrong connection of Spark plug wire sometimes called High Tension Wire. Check the manual and make sure the firing sequence of wire connection is properly connected to the distributor cap according to the manual. Ex is: 1-4-3-2 for 4 cyl engine.
For 6 cyl engine, 1-6-5-4-3-2 or 1-6-2-5-3-4. when in doubt, ask mechanic help. If wires firing sequence are correct, then you have to check the camshaft bearing or camshaft itself. Hope this help.

check the coil, as it sounds like that may be the problem

IF VECHICLE RUNNING ROUGH OR MISFIRING YOU COULD HAVE WRONG SPARK PLUG GAP.SHOULD BE 0.040 - 0.043 IF PLUG GAP CORRECT YOU HAVE WRONG PLUG WIRES OR WRONG TYPE OF SPARK PLUGS.

FIRING ORDERS NOTE: To avoid confusion, remove and tag the spark plug wires one at a time, for replacement. If a distributor is not keyed for installation with only one orientation, it could have been removed previously and rewired. The resultant wiring would hold the correct firing order, but could change the relative placement of the plug towers in relation to the engine. For this reason it is imperative that you label all wires before disconnecting any of them. Also, before removal, compare the current wiring with the accompanying illustrations. If the current wiring does not match, make notes in your book to reflect how your engine is wired. Fig. 1: 1.8L, 2.0L and 2.3L engines Firing Order: 1–3–4–2 Distributor Rotation: Counterclockwise
Fig. 2: 2.6L and 2.8L engines Firing Order: 1–3–4–2 Distributor Rotation: Clockwise
Fig. 3: 3.1L engine Firing Order: 1–2–3–4–5–6 Distributor Rotation: Counterclockwise
Fig. 4: 3.2L engine Firing Order: 1–2–3–4–5–6 Distributorless Ignition System

Question 4.3 Litre V6 or 2.2 Litre inline 4 cyl.

Procedure as follows: in either case remove # 1 cyl spark plug and rotate engine until # 1 piston is at top dead center , with a suitable marking pen make a reference mark on crankshaft harmonic balancer and timing mark indicator on engine timing cover. Make a notation on the distributor cap of the number one spark plug wire and also note the remaining wires firing order sequence on cap in order of rotation. Remove cap and note and mark rotor location , make a reference point on distributor body as well as engine block . Remove cap and wires , loosen distributor lock down bolt , disconnect distributor wire harness and label harness for reference to reconnect upon re-installation. Twist as you pull up on distributor , distributor should come out freely with minimal effort but occasionally they can be a little tough and need to be helped out with minimal extra persuasion...

If you find that upon re-install you get a trouble code P1345 don't threat just start over the process of placing # 1 cyl at TDC and then reference the marks you made during dismantle, There is a + - 3 degrees tolerance that the computer can adapt... But you will have to erase any trouble codes... You should not have to remove the hood, maybe just the air box and or filter housing for easier access.... Unless you are removing entire engine then yes remove hood by all means, mark hood hinges and mounting holes before removing for easier alignment during install of hood... Hope this helps...

it should be 5 wires going to a cap. follow a rubber wire come frome the spark plug

This could be a problem with the spark plug wires. If resistance is high or the boots have carbon tracks, they could be causing spark to go places it shouldn't. Distributor cap?
Make sure places like that are clean and dry. Check for grease or dirt inside spark plug boots. If all else fails, open the hood in the dark and look for sparks jumping around the engine when you rev it up. If so, replace the plug wires.

Hi,
Isuzu seem to have complicated things by changing engines, firing orders and even direction of rotation! As you can see, they've numbered the cylinders the other way than the 3.2L.

The Firing sequence for the 3.1 (traditional distributor) 6 cylinder is as follows -



If you take the distributor cap off, there should be a "No.1" formed on the inside. Stick a lead on this before you put the cap back on and go from there.
As leads are different lengths, you may have to swap a few to find the best fit.

I think 2 of them will look out of place - but that's the way it's designed. Just make use of clips for holding them neatly.

Thanks for using Fixya.

Hi,

On the 3.2L distriburorless ignition, the firing order is a straight 1-2-3-4-5-6.

Cylinder numbering .

-

Hope this works for you