OK, was taking the intake manifold off the block the other day and forgot to mark the position on the distributor rotor. I haven't gotten it all back together due to the rain, but when i get to it, how the fsck do i get the timing back correctly?
I've never been this deep into an engine before and I can only get occassional help from friends. Anyone local want to help a guy out some weekend?

 

bring #1 piston to top dead center make sure both valves intake/exhaust are closed so you know your on #1 and not #6 install distributor with rotor pointing to #1 terminal on cap.

 

Doc,

1. If you think you're the only "idiot", you're sorely mistaken. Many of us have been guilty of poor planning, lack of foresight, poor judgement, etcetera, long before you removed your distributor. If that doesn't convince you, simply study the history of many politicians and public figures. If they serve no other useful purpose, we should be thankful to them that in the very least, they make most of us look like Rhodes' Scholars by comparison. Makes your little distributor problem seem pretty insignificant now, doesn't it?

2. Before you reinstall the intake, simply refer to the timing marks on the crankshaft and timing cover tab. Aligning them will position the crank at TDC of the #1 cylinder. If you want to verify that you are on the compression stroke, observe the position of the lifters for the #1 cylinder (pretty easy with the intake off, isn't it?). If one of the lifters is not fully retracted in its bore, rotate the crank another full revolution and align the timing marks again. That will position the crank in the firing position for the #1 cylinder. When you're ready to install the distributor, just drop it in so the rotor points toward #1 on the distributor cap.

You just got more educated...

 

Been there done that. If you are very very very careful, you can get it back on without problem. very slowly drop the dist. down until it stops. Unless you are lucky, you won;t get it to seat all the way down. Gently, while slightly lifting on the dist. twist it around until it catches on the proper alignment. At this point, hopefully, you can fully seat the dist. where it should be. I had to do this and it worked. However, my friend did the same thing and he wasn;t so lucky.
If you were having trouble with my directions, watch Back to The Future (the fist one). Towards the beginning of the movie when they are in the mall parking lot. They put a dose of plutonium in the Delorean...thats how gentle you need to be and thats the same twisting motion I was referring to.

 

like vader said.. we've all been there.. im sure not marking the distribs position is up top with the list of most often made mistakes working on engines..


easiest way is like vader said.... rotate the crank so that the timing notch is on the big V of the timing tab.. that should be TDC for #1... then look at the lifters or the valves. if they arnt the same height, then rotate the crank 360* back onto the mark.


when you put the distrib in, look on the cap where you will have the #1 plug at, and place the rotor so that its touching the #1 wire..

you will still have to reset the timing, but that should get the engine running.

 

*** ahmen to that

If i had a penny for everytime I grabbed the torch and got under something n took the longest time to find a comfy spot n a spot where i won't get burned and lite up only to realize i forgot to turn on the damn oxy/gas valves!

I would be rich!

 

What everyone is saying is only the first part. Once you get the engine at TDC, and the distributor in, you have to set the initial timing. Attach a timing light to #1 plug, disconnect the timing connector near the firewall (i forgot what that connector is called). Lightly snug the distributor hold down bolt so the distributor will turn, but not easily. Have someone try to start the car. You may have to move the distributor one way or the other until it starts. Set the timing according to specs. Turn off engine, tighten bolt and recheck. Turn off engine, reconnect plug. That should be it. May have to disconnect battery to remove any codes set.

 

As once said by George Kostanza (Seinfeld)...

"There is no way you are a bigger idiot than me, NO WAY"

Really... you'd be feeling pretty bright right now if you knew of only a few things I have done :lala: LOL

(Just the fact that I am quotting George Kostanza is proof of this)