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I’m currently trying to replace the intake manifold gaskets on my 1984 Corvette. Part of this procedure involves removing the distributor. Generally, it’s advised to turn the engine over to top dead center since it’s easier to install the distributor when you know it’s on cylinder 1.
Today, I cranked over my engine by hand and noticed something strange:
I cranked the engine until I saw the distributor turn to Cylinder 1 and felt the air from the spark plug hole whizzing past my finger. I knew I basically had it set. Then I looked at the timing mark, and it was all the way near the water pump. This doesn’t seem normal and I find it puzzling since my car has ran pretty fine this whole time.
Is there something wrong going on here or am I neglecting some information while doing this procedure? This doesn’t exactly seem right.
I double checked which piston I was on by putting the distributor cap on top of the distributor. I was on cylinder 2. These pistons have way longer strokes than I thought because I cranked it again and I was still making compression.
I lined the engine up with 0 on the timing and noted something moderately interesting:
With the engine at 0°, the distributor is BARELY past my marking of Cylinder 1 from the distributor cap. I suppose that’s because it’s already sparked and prepared to go onto the next cylinder.
Yeah all the gasoline from disconnecting fuel lines last night definitely got to me…
1984 Corvette - Possibly Incorrect TDC
