Getting back to TDC...

[homebru420]

In relation to a question below...

When I switched over to edelbrock intake and carb last weekend, I noticed that when I replaced the distributor, the rotor is exactly 90 degrees off #1 cylinder when I replaced it.

I NEVER moved the vehicle, NEVER turned the key (battery disconnected anyway). What the heck happened??? I've pulled the distributor over a dozen times and reinserted at various orientations and cannot get the rotor back to #1. So...how do I get back to TDC on #1 cylinder? I read the Haynes stuff on finding TDC and it seems simple enough, but how does this guarantee that my distributor points to #1 TDC at the right firing time???

[Lindel]

If you've noticed that the rotor turns a little when you stick the distributor back in, we can start from there. As the distributor sits in the engine, the post for the no. 1 Cylinder is just a little bit to the right, or the driver side of straight ahead. You'll need to have the rotor pointed at the approximate location of the next post to the driver's side. This should be close enough that you can start the car, and retime it. No doubt the distributor shaft turned, or was disturbed while it was on the bench, waiting to be reinstalled. No big deal smile.gif