just got the car running not to long ago and it sounds like *** and no power...im trying my best to time the car without a timing light..car is at TDC and the rotor wasnting pointing to the number one plug on the cap. my question is the on the dis. there is that triangle and start pattern. the outside stays stationary and the middle spins with tthe rotor..when the plugs are supposed to fire do they need to be lined up with each other like they are now..(after the cap was turned) or not lined up(how it was before i changed it).. i dont know what that is for if its for anything...right now as is..with the stars lined up its pointing to the number 2 plug on the cap..help??

 

There are two strokes per piston, compression and exhaust. You need to be on the compression stroke on #1 cylinder to find TDC - place finger over spark plug hole and you'll feel air pressure when your on the compression stroke, then line up the damper line with zero on timing tab - then you are on TDC compression stroke.

There's no rule that the rotor will point towards the #1 cylinder at that point - it can point anywhere. But wherever the rotor points, that corresponding dist cap terminal has to be for the number 1 plug, and then you follow the firing order around the dist cap for the rest of the plugs.

Makes no difference how the dist is placed in the engine, and makes no difference where the rotor is pointing - just have to make sure wherever the rotor points at TDC compression stroke that THAT is the number 1 plug wire.

 

Also, you can't set timing without a light. Assuming this is still factory computer controlled, you will need a light - no way around it - they are cheap, like $15 at Harbor Freight. Also remember you must disconnect the EST wire to set base timing (before you start the car).

If it's a non-cc carbed car, you could get timing set wherever car likes it.

 

On base timing(without EST activated) the ignition fires when the points on the timing core are aligned with the points on the pole peice.(like in your photo)

 

well to make it work without pullin the distributer out and jumpin a tooth i had to move the wires over one each on the cap and it fired right up..sounded smooth..but new problems. yay..nice ticking sound in the motor and water out of the exhaust. and check engine light on and off.. pretty sure head gasket..not sure what the ticking might be though

 

Every exhaust drips water - from condesation build-up in the pipes.

Check for exhaust leaks 1st, if that's not the ticking then maybe a valve needs adjusted.