TDC on #1 question
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
TDC on #1 question
Ok, Im trying to get a new distributor installed correctly. This is what I've done to find TDC on #1. removed #1 plug, put a wad of paper towel in the spark plug hole, bumped the engine till the paper towel got blown out, timing mark was just short of 0 degrees, so I rotated w a ratchet till the mark is dead on 0 degrees. Can someone confirm that I am on TDC on #1 compression?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
Sounds like yes to me. That is what I would have done, less the paper towel.
Now take a pencil and make a mark on the distributor body just under the post for the #1 wire. When you drop it in try to get the rotor to line up with the mark you made on the distributor body for the #1. That will get you in the area close enough to fire.
Now take a pencil and make a mark on the distributor body just under the post for the #1 wire. When you drop it in try to get the rotor to line up with the mark you made on the distributor body for the #1. That will get you in the area close enough to fire.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
If you want... After you get the motor timed and set like you want it, bring the motor up to TDC on #1 again and put your balancer mark on zero on the tab. Now take of your cap off and make a mark on the housing where the rotor is pointing.
This will help you in the future, especially if you do a cam swap or have to reinstall the distributor at some time. Now you bring your motor up to TDC and set the rotor at your "base timing mark" you made and you are virtually set from the get go. Helps for cam break in because you want to start it and run it at speed first time around. just an idea.
This will help you in the future, especially if you do a cam swap or have to reinstall the distributor at some time. Now you bring your motor up to TDC and set the rotor at your "base timing mark" you made and you are virtually set from the get go. Helps for cam break in because you want to start it and run it at speed first time around. just an idea.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Stock distributors and intake manifolds have stake marks. With #1 at TDC, align the mark on the distributor with the mark on the manifold. That will correctly index the distributor and should allow the engine to start.
Follow up with timing.
Follow up with timing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,487
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From: Palm Beach Florida
St. Jude Donor '12
If you really want to be sure, remove the valve cover and check the position of the valves. But i'd say you are right on the money with this approach. What i have learned - the phone in our pockets have a pretty darn good camera. I take pics of everything before I dismantle and play around with things. Makes my life easier now. LOL.
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