[beatnavy]

Where in NoVA are you?

1. I don't think Pertronix would be the issue.

2. I'm not sure it's possible to put the dizzy gear off like that. I know the dizzy itself only goes in one way based on the notch gear.

You should be able to verify TDC in a couple of ways. First, it's possible the red mark may actually be your TDC. I think they have been marked in different ways by different owners over the years. Do a search for a picture of the fan to see where TDC is in relation to the vanes on the fan. I've also heard some people say thay have seen fans installed incorrectly, so they use the flywheel as their guide.

Here's a way to verify TDC: Put one of those fan marks at the notch you think is TDC. Make sure the distributor rotor is pointed roughly at #1. Now, check the flywheel notch/mark at the back of the engine, on top bellhousing - (probably have to move the engine seal) - there's a small hole there. where you can see the flywheel If you can see/feel the flywheel TDC mark through that notch, you are at TDC for #1. If not, try lining up the other mark on your fan and see if you can see/feel the flywheel mark.

FWIW, I thought I experienced the same issue on my 1.7L a couple of years ago. I can't remember if I had the TDC marks confused or if I was actually able to turn the dizzy clockwise enough to get it right. Either way, it wasn't the fan or dizzy. It was me.

There