well, i had to replace my distributor. it was my first time (i'm a diesel guy and this is my first gasser).

how do i set timing after replacing a distributor? i DO know how to successfully use a light, but read on.


i was reading the directions that came with the unit and it says not to start my engine with the timing incorrect or i could harm my engine

now.... how in the hell do i set my timing with my engine not running!?



also, any tips on installing my distributor? should i apply dielectric grease anywhere, and where?


the car has been off the road for some time now and this is the last thing i need to do to get her running, the quicker the reply the awesome-r

 

first off rotate engine to # 1 cylinder tdc on the compression stroke this is important you can tell by the movement of the rockers opening and closing , then find the point at wich the tistributor rotor is aligned with the #1 spark plug terminal on the cap , so when you install the dissy you have the #1 piston at tdc and the #1 terminal is aligned with the rotor this gives you a rough idea of 0 degrees timing and you should be able to start you car saftly i've done it this way 5 0000000 times and never any problems just be sure not to run your engine with timing less than 2 degrees btdc for it wont hurt it to run it like this for a few minutes but u don't wanna do any driving with the timeing set incorrectly cuz u could do some harm and will prolly run mad lean and will run kinda shitty unless ur running 14.5:1 compression . and there you go very easy compared to diesel ehh only the fuel pump to adjust the timing GOOD LUCK

 

sorry to be such a simpleton... my engine is in my car. how would i rotate my engine so cyl 1 is TDC with the engine in? i've only done it with an engine out of the car.

 

Usually, you take a 2ft breaker bar with a socket and put it on the harmonic balancer nut. That gives you enough leverage to turn it over by hand. It makes it much easier if the spark plugs are out of the holes but if you already went through the painful process of putting them in, just leave them in.

If you do not have a breaker bar or the big socket, you can always "bump" the starter several times (with the coil disconnected) to turn it to #1 TDC on compression stroke. You just need to seriously only "bump" the key to turn the engine only a few degrees at a time.

Hope this helps.
Lou

 

alright, all of this helps a hell of a lot. thank you


-carmine

 

yeah, but the distributor isn't tightened down and the dist. advance moves so how can i tell if its actually at 1 on the cap? when i put my dist in the rotor button is pointing straight to the front of motor dead center.