What is the distributor rotor position at TDC

[Rodney]

I pulled my distributor out about a month ago in order to replace my heads on a 2.9L engine and can't remember the exact position of the rotor when it is on #1 TDC. I know you basically make sure it's lined up with the spark plug wire position on the distributor cap however when I dropped the distributor in it seemed to be a little to far to the left of #1 and when I tried again, it seemed to far to the right of #1. I made sure I only rotated the rotor a small amount when dropping the distributor back in but there seems to be a big difference in position between one tooth and the other. Is this true or 'am I just not getting it right? What clock position should the rotor be at when pointing to #1, 10? 11? Also when I started the truck up after reassembling everything it ran like crap, would not idle and basically seemed like it was running way out of time. No matter how much I adjusted the distributor housing it did not improve. Would appreciate some advice.

 

[mudnsnow]

If you are in front of the engine the #1 cylinder is at 11(pointing in passeger side seat). and the firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6. the distributor turn clockwise.
Are you sure you are at TDC on the compression stroke ???? and you have the good firing order. Update if it's work

 

[jnunez86]

hey man its a little hard to get it right the first time but try to get it as close to the #1 position, remember as the distrbter drops in the shaft turns so when you start, point the rotor past a little so when it drops all the way in it will point at #1. if not quite there remove and start again moving the rotor a little bit at a time in which ever direction it needs it. you could also mark the distrubuter were the #1 would be to make it easier.

when you think you got it, set the timing with a timing gun. when timing is set the distributer should be mid way between the distributer retard/advance adjustment. so to say you should have as much retard play as advance. if you have more of one than the other thans its jumped.

also advancing the timing better performace but at a cost of fuel economy. i always advance it when i hit the dunes.

 

[Rodney]

After reviewing your replies it looked like I had the distributor set right but I pulled it out anyway and re-set it one tooth back so that the rotor was pointing more towards the passenger side of the vehicle. I made sure I moved the rotor as little as possible before it allowed the gear to mesh and drop the distributor in place. It looked like it was too far to the left like around the 10 o'clock position. I made sure I was on #1 TDC on its compression stroke and double checked the spark plug wire positions. When I tried to start the engine it just turned over and would not fire. I put the distributor back to where it was at about the 11 o'clock position and the engine fired up immediately and started but ran really rough and would not idle without keeping slight pressure on the accelerator. I'm wondering if maybe my spark plug wires, rotor, cap etc. may need replacing. The truck was running great before it overheated and the head cracked.

 

[IMenriched]

If you are going through the expence of the distributor rebuild/new...then new plugs and plug wires, cap & rotor would definatly be in order. I understand that you're maybe trying to keep expences down...but not doing those things can be just costly in lost economy in just a few months. besides then you can rule them out if issues still persist.

 

[djurs]

Yeah what does budget brand cap/rotor/plugs/wires cost? $50 altogether?

 

[bronco8923]

ya know where your timing mark on you pully is?? if you mark your timing spot with where its sappose to be you can judge easyier where number 1 is at..... DONT ROTATE THE MOTOR NO NEED...