Need spark plug set up for 1986 z24 engine from distributor to engine

Are you getting spark? You've put a 2001 engine into a 1986 body. The 2001 engine ran with an engine control module (ECM), the 1986 doesn't have that. The 1986 probably has an electronic ignition module that works with the 1986 coil and 1986 reluctor/distributor. You may want to compare the two distributors and the two coils.

place the timing mark on the crank pulley at the correct ignition timing mark (10 degrees advanced). Place in the distributor so that the rotor button points to no1 cylinder in the cap. when fitted in properly turn the distributor so that the points are just opening. ( you can get this by turning on the ignition and when you see the points spark or hear a spark click then lock the distributor up at that point . Use a timing light for final set. If it wont start you got it on 180 degrees out then just move the HT wires around 180 degrees. If you have a transistorized ignition then when the point of the cam star is directly opposite the magnet point that is the same as the points.

I'm showing the first Cavalier Z24 being sold in 1988 with a 2.8 engine.
I'm not sure what you mean by marks, normally you would like up the marks on the crank pulley and turn the distributor to the point where the rotor is pointing to the number one cylinder plug wire.
If the distributor has been out of the engine, you will be on or 180 degrees off.
Once you get the engine started, you would use a timing light to set base timing.

Okay you got it here another diagram. If you are misfiring clean out the distributor it has tendency to oil contaminate,or if your burning rich heavy black smoke its the fuel pump not producing enough pressure, Dont confuse this with the MAF sensor your injector is pulse width modulated.

It started without the distributor cap? That is impossible. I suspect you may have plug wires mixed up. Make sure it is wired as the diagram shows. Also replace the rotor.

You have a 1986 454 engine with an old style breaker point ignition distributor, GM has not used a breaker point ignition for their V-8 engines since 1974, is that an older distributor or something after-market?

The ignition points dwell angle for that engine should be set at 29-31 degrees dwell (a dwell meter would be the most accurate way to set the ignition points), or a .019 in. point gap.

The spark plug gap for that engine would be .035 in. and the timing should be set at 10 degrees before top dead center.

For the 2.4L (Z24) SOHC:

Firing Order:
1-3-4-2

Cylinders
P__
u|.|.| Intake Side
l |.|.|....1....2.....3....4......|
l |.|.| Exhaust Side
e
y

Distributor:
.....1.....2
3................4
4................3
.....2.....1
Rotation:
Counterclockwise

FIRING ORDERS

To avoid confusion, ALWAYS replace spark plug wires one at a time.

The most important thing to remember about the removal and installation of a distributor, cap or spark plug cable is that all wires MUST be labelled before they are disconnected. Keep in mind that these figures depict a firing order where the distributor cap terminals are relative to EACH OTHER only and they do not necessarily depict the tower positions in relation to the rest of the engine. This is true because any distributor which has been removed and reinstalled may have been installed with the No. 1 spark plug tower at any position (360 degrees) in relation to the rest of the motor, as long as the rotor aligned to the No. 1 tower when the No. 1 cylinder was at TDC of the compression stroke (valves closed, ready for the plug to fire). As long as the remaining wires were connected in the correct firing order sequence (depending on direction of distributor rotation) the engine will run. DO NOT EVER remove more than one wire from the distributor cap at a time unless you tag ALL wires and towers to assure proper installation.



Fig. 1: 1.9L engine . Firing order: 1-3-4-2 . Distributor rotation: counterclockwise



Fig. 2: 2.0L engine . Firing order: 1-3-4-2 . Distributor rotation: clockwise



Fig. 3: 2.5L engine . Firing order: 1-3-4-2 . Distributor rotation: clockwise



Fig. 4: 2.8L engine . Firing order: 1-2-3-4-5-6 . Distributor rotation: clockwise



Fig. 5: 4.3L engine. Firing order: 1-6-5-4-3-2 . Distributor rotation: clockwise

I hope help you with this (remember rated this help) Good luck.

Have you checked for spark or tried shooting carb cleaner in the intake to see if it will fire?

Ignition should be set to 5 degrees ( +/- 2 degrees)

Before setting ignition timing, be sure to disconnect and plug vacuum hose to vacuum advance unit on distributor.