distributor snafu: help needed
 

I removed my distributor during some engine cleaning and now I am not sure about putting it back in correctly. The engine is out of the car, so turning the engine by hand is not a problem. Here are my questions:

1. which direction do I turn the engine?
2. what do I need to look for under the valve cover to make sure that #1 is at TDC?

I think I understand the other bits, putting the engine at Z1 and aligning the distributor to the mark.

thanks in advance (pun intended!)
-Ken

It's best to turn the engine clockwise (looking at the fan pully). You can turn it the other way as long as your chain tensioners are good. There are 720 degrees of rotation of the engine for 360 degrees of the dizzy. You need to find the correct Z1 of the 2 possible. For that you need to look at the intake valve on number 1. Rotate the crank to Z1, and see if the intake valve is fully closed or slightly open. If it is fully closed you are at number 1 TDC and can install your dizzy. Try both Z1's so you can see the difference. At the wrong Z1 the intake valve will be starting to open and continue to open more as you pass Z1. At the right Z1 the valve will be fully closed all around Z1.

-Andy

It is simple: at the wrong Z1, your motor won`t start. You have 50% chance to do it right the first time. That is, if you can`t see the intake valve.

Aurel

If the engine's out of the car, you can remove the #1 spark plug and gently insert a long, thin dowel into the plug hole until it seats on the piston. Gently turn the crank to Z1, and note the movement of the dowel. If it is rises to it's maximum height and rests at Z1, you are at TDC.

EagleDriver has the correct method. Any other way and I can install it 360 degrees out EVERY BLESSED FLIPPING TIME!.

The correct (of two) Z1's is the one right after the intake has closed after charging the cylinder. You can watch it close or feel it with your finger as you approach Z1.

On other cars, or even the P-Car if you've got really long fingers, you can cover the empty spark plug hole and feel for compression as you approach the correct Z1.

Then of course you insert the distributor so when seated the rotor lines up with the mark on the distributor housing.

thanks a bunch guys, that is what I needed.

-Ken