OK guys. Here's the problem. The only way I can get the darned engine to run is if the distributor is turned so far to the left that the vacuum advance line
(screw-on type) is hitting the engine and I can no longer attach it AND I think it needs to go couter-clockwise even more to be properly timed. The distributor is correct for my B16B engine (it is a Bosch VJU 4 BR 20). I don't know what the problem is, but I am starting to think that the oil pump was installed incorrectly. Take a look at this picture. This was taken with the engine sitting at top dead center (zero degrees.) Can anyone tell me if this looks accurate? I think the slot is only supposed to be sitting at 8-10 degrees clockwise from the top according to the service manual. Here's another picture showing where the distributor and roter is when I reinstall. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


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Tony Scarola
1958 Volvo PV444 (aka 44408, 444L, Old Lady)

http://www.scarolas.com/58VolvoPV444/

Not sure if I mentioned but a few weeks ago I installed the oil pump correctly - it was off by around 180 degrees. Yesterday I got the oil pan painted up nice and re-installed with new gasket back on the engine, filled her up with oil, moved the distributor wires to the correct positions, fired up the Old Lady and she started up nicely. I'm going to do a little fine-tuning today and let her run for a little while. I'm very excited! Thanks again for all the help.
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Tony Scarola
1958 Volvo PV444 (aka 44408, 444L, Old Lady)

Thank you again guys. Today I pulled the oil pump and reinstalled properly. It's a good thing I did this too because the oil pan seal was shot and needs to be replaced. Once I get the seal replaced and new oil installed, I have a good feeling we'll be good to go! I'm excited. :)

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Tony Scarola
1958 Volvo PV444 (aka 44408, 444L, Old Lady)

Tony!
The quick fix is to move the wires 90° one way and the distributor 90° the opposite way.
Kind of like picking up your mouse to get a fresh start when it reaches the end of the mousepad.
Be SURE the cylinder your rotor is pointing at has both valves firmly closed.
(You should be able to feel the valve lash.)

My future brother-in-law and I spent about two hours last weekend trying this exact same thing. The ONLY way we could get the car to turn over was to put it back EXACTLY as it was to begin with. We tried moving the wires 90° backward and the distributor 90° forward and nothing. We then tried 180°. Nothing. I don't get it.
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Tony Scarola
1958 Volvo PV444 (aka 44408, 444L, Old Lady)

The Green Books I have don't show the pump drive orientation, but I'm building a B16 right now and worked it out for myself. Your pump is indeed set up wrong, and I think you may also be checking it at the TDC when #4 should be firing, not #1.

Here's how I think it should be: with #1 in firing position (check that both rockers have slack), the drive slot should be just about vertical, and it's offset towards the rear of the engine.

PS. I copied (sorry Volvo) the two service manuals in question to the "PV Documentation" section of my website: http://www.scarolas.com/58VolvoPV444/.

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Tony Scarola
1958 Volvo PV444 (aka 44408, 444L, Old Lady)

Thank you Phil. Here are a few images from the green books I have for B16A and B16B:

B16A Drive Gear Position

B16A Fitting the Oil Pump

B16B Distributor Specs

Thanks again,

Tony

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Tony Scarola
1958 Volvo PV444 (aka 44408, 444L, Old Lady)

If the drive gear is correctly installed your distributor should slot back correctly as per the pics in Group 21 on your site, and put the rotor in the correct position.
I don't recognise the rotor currently fitted as a B16 one. It looks rather "big" but may work. Correct one below with B16 parts list. It's an Amazon list but should be the same.

Thank you, Tony. Mine is one tooth off, but it'll work fine that way.

Here's what should work for you:

Turn the engine to the TDC that gives you slack in both the front rocker arms (as opposed to the two rear rockers). See where the rotor points, and turn the distributor so it will point directly at one of the contacts on the cap when you put it on -- any terminal that gives you some possibility of adjustment. Put #1 plug wire into the cap at that location.

From there, working around the cap counter-clockwise, insert the wires for #3, #4 and #2.

Turn the engine backwards a few degrees, and then forwards again until it's at 7 BTDC on the flywheel marks.

Remove the cap and check that the points are closed. If not, turn the distributor slightly counter-clockwise until they are. Leave the cap off.

Turn on the ignition, and turn the distributor clockwise until you see a spark across the points. Turn off the ignition, lock the distributor into place, and put the cap back on.

The engine should start.

It's been a while, but I'm pretty sure the distributor rotates clockwise on a B16, unlike the B18/20.

Best,

Cameron
444,122SC
Rose City

Made me go look... and you're right, it does turn CW. Sorry!

Ha ha. No problem - I knew what you meant. Thank you.
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Tony Scarola
1958 Volvo PV444 (aka 44408, 444L, Old Lady)