Distributor rotor @ TDC

[Laldog]

Trying to fine tune my cars ignition timing, (or at least get the thing to start) ...

my research here tells me that when cylinder 1 is at TDC
(as referenced by the timing mark on the vibration damper and timing chain cover),
the distributor rotor should be pointing towards the cylinder number one wire and to the notch in the distributor body.

My distributor rotor points no where near that...something close to 180 degrees off.

Can I assume that the distributor was installed 180 degrees off and pull it out, rotate it and re-install?

Advice, tips welcome.

 

[61porsche]

turn

the damper again and see if it lines up.

Look through the oil cap and see if the parting line and the boss on the cam bearing line up which also indicates tdc.

Or look at the timing window and the flywheel for those marks.

 

[sreams]

To elaborate on the previous answer... piston #1 is at TDC twice for every full rotation of the distributor rotor. Just after the compression stroke, the rotor should be lined up with wire #1. Just after the exhaust stroke, the rotor will be pointed at the wire opposite #1 (as you are seeing now).

Pull off you oil filler cap and look to see if the two cam lobes for #1 are pointed up or pointed down. If they are pointed up, you need to rotate the engine once more.

-Scott

 

[DaveG]

#1 cyl on TDC compression will have the #1 cam lobes pointing down.......
DaveG

 

[Stevehose]

pull the plug and put a tube in the hole and feel the air compressing as it confirms reaching tdc as others have mentioned

 

[61porsche]

B35

Cover- oil cap rear or front? You can only observe number one if you have the early rocker cover with the cap to the front. If the cap is in the rear number six lobes will be up or opposite number one cylinder lobes.

Steve- plastic straw works too. Watch it poke up.

Just go check for the flywheel mark. You just have to be close to start. If you're 180 off, it should pop and backfire and you'll know right away.:roll: