When to remove intake manifold to change it out. Got engine at TDC and pulled the distrubtor. Then I remembered to check the position of the rotor. How to I tell by looking at the lifters if I am TDC at firing on #1 or off by 180 degrees....

 

Maybe this will help. 12th one down. Lars paper.

http://www.corvettefaq.com/listing.asp?group=1&sub=11

Both lifters will be closed and then when you start to turn the engine by hand, the exhaust valve will start to open. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Both the intake and exhaust lifters of #1 cylinder will be down, at their low point on the base circle of the cam (both valves could be adjusted if the rockers are in place). This position is TDC firing on #1.

 

Rotate the engine clockwise as viewed form the front until it is on TDC with number 1 firing (both valves closed). This is easy to check because the lifters on number 6 will be rocking, that is the inlet is just opening and the exhaust is just closing.

1. Get the engine to TDC on #1 (Typically the rotor will be pointing at the post in front of the connectors on the drivers side, unless someone has been screwing with it) Make note of where it is on YOUR car.
2. With the cap on the distributor put a mark directly under the #1 post.
3. From that mark measure counter-clockwise 2-1/4" and put another mark.
4. When you pull the distributor and look down the hole you will see the end of the oil pump drive shaft. It has a slot in it and it can be turned to any position that you choose with a long screwdriver.
5. With your engine still at TDC on #1 after you install the intake manifold the fun begins.
6. The oil pump drive shaft slot needs to be pointing at the rear inside valve cover bolt (Non Vortec) (or the #5 intake pushrod).
7. Now you are ready to insert the distributor.
8. Set the contact of the rotor directly over the mark you made 2-1/4" back while holding the distributor in the proper orientation for your #1 (on the drivers side in front on a stock OEM position).
9. As you lower the distributor in the gears will engage and the rotor will start to turn clockwise.
10. When fully seated into the oil pump drive shaft and sitting on the manifold the rotor should be pointing at the original #1 mark you made.

When I did mine I actually preset my timing to 12* BTDC on the timing mark and did what I listed above. I double checked that the rotor was over the #1 mark on the base and snugged the clamp bolt so the dist would turn by hand.

Put the cap on and you will be ready to rock and roll.

PS: Mine fired on the first crank and I only missed the timing by 2*
Now everyone can tell you where THIER #1 wire is and yes you can make any post #1 just observe the firing order:

 

When pulling the distributor it is not necessary to have the rotation at TDC. Just be sure to reinstall it so the rotor is pointing at the same location as before. This is only true if you don't turn the crank while it is out.

 

Looking at the rockers and the timing mark. The lifters for #6 will be moveing when your tdc on comp. stroke for #1
when the rockers on #1 move(intake and exaust)and the marks line up on the balancer you are tdc on #6
hope this helps

 

I keep a Sharpie available for just this event.
Mark the housing on the distributor body with the Sharpie where the rotot is pointing at afetr loosening and removing the cap.

 

(I posted the lurk icon so that when I do a search on my forum name, I can easily find this article.)

 

Drop me an e-mail if you need the "How to Install Your Distruibutor" article. Complete wth photos and step-by-step instructions.
V8FastCars@msn.com
Lars

 

Don't sweat it, just pull it out and get the Lars's article about how to install your distributor. It's really not hard to set it back up again if you forgot to mark everything when you pulled it. I took my intake off several weeks ago and didn't bother marking anything, I'll just bring it to TDC after it's back together and then install the distributor and set the timing. Lars makes it easy

-dath

 

I dont want to crank the engine as I have it marked pretty good where the housing indexs the manifold to keep it close to timed when started. The #1 rockers both seated is what I was looking for, the #6 is not seated to I am okay. Thanks for the help..