Distributor installation.

[dipso]

I pulled my distributor and forgot to put it a TDC first.
Now I am going to put it back in. Here is how I am going to do it.

Rotate the motor and pulley clockwise to TDC. Install distributor and point at #1. Start car.
If it works I got lucky, then time.

If it backfires and doesn't start that means I am at #4, instead of #1. In that case, pull the distributor cap, rotate motor and pulley to TDC again. If distributor is pointing at #4, pull distributor and point to #1.
If distributor is pointing at #1, pull distributor, rotate pulley 1 full turn clockwise back to TDC. reinstall distributor pointing at #1.

Does this sound right?

[Scott R]

Do it once, pull the plug on #1 and determine when it's on the compression stroke. Or do it your way, either way will work I suppose.

[Eagledriver]

Your way will work fine. Alternatively you could pull either intake valve cover to determine when number 1 is at TDC on the compression stroke. Number 1 is at TDC on the compression stroke when the intake valve is closed and stays when turning the engine past TDC. If the valve is starting to open you are at TDC on the exhaust stroke.

The spark plug idea is a good one also. If you remove the number 1 spark plug and feel no compression when turning the crank to TDC you're on the compression stroke.

-Andy

[dipso]

Thanks.