Spark plug wires

[QuickMick]

After returning the fuel supply to the a4, i was afriad that i wasnt getting a spark.... so i was checking the spark plug wires one by one... got frustrated and pulled em all off. now i forgot where they go! DOH! is there a way to figure out how they are configured w/o going through dist. cap removal/compression test for TDC as per Moyer Mar. handbook? it is just a real pain to get to that cap.... or conversly is there a standard for the hook up? IIFC the cap was set to (looking at the bow) 1 in 3 o'clock, 2 at 6, 4 at 9 and 3 at high noon. i was getting fire before the last project, so it was set but i failed to mark em before i took em off....
i am also a bit concerned about the quality of the connection from dist to coil.... any tips on how to test this via 'engine block spark' w/o someone in cockpit to fire it?
thanks
Q

[therapy23]

Lots of times on old motors the wires have been in the same place for so long that they have a "memory". Sometimes you can "flop" them around and figure out where they want to land.

Another argument for labeling things, but I guess you know that now.

[CalebD]

I'd advise getting a new set of ignition wires anyway.
The firing order for the A4 is cylinder #1, 2, 4, 3.
This picture might help you figure out which o'clock on the distributor cap goes to cylinder #1. The rest would follow the direction of spin of the rotor.
MoyerMarine
You can zoom in and rotate this picture which just might do it.

[hellosailor]

You'd be best off referring to a printed manual, there has to be one online for the A4.

You're not the first one to make that mistake. The Japanese auto makers did what Detroit could never figure out how to do, when they started shipping spark plugs wires WITH THE CYLINDER NUMBERS INKED ON THEM many years ago. Not such a bad idea, labels or spots of paint, on the wires and the dist. cap.

Oh, and welcome to the club.