Need help with timing marks

[SteveL]

I put a new set of heads on and replaced the distributor back facing the same direction as when I took it off. When I started the motor and try to time it the timing mark on the balancer is after TDC. When I try to advance it the motor won't run. Right now it's running with the balancer mark below the timing pointer(ATDC). Would one tooth off do this? If so which way would I have to move it CW or CCW?

Thanks , steve

[GerryLP]

Originally Posted by SteveL

I put a new set of heads on and replaced the distributor back facing the same direction as when I took it off. When I started the motor and try to time it the timing mark on the balancer is after TDC. When I try to advance it the motor won't run. Right now it's running with the balancer mark below the timing pointer(ATDC). Would one tooth off do this? If so which way would I have to move it CW or CCW?

Thanks , steve

Did you disconnect the 4-pin wire at the distributor/computer connection? It has to be disconnected for you to check the initial timing.

OR

You could be off a little, specially if you moved the crankshaft during the valve rocker arms adjustments.

Find top-dead-center (TDC), by removing the #1 spark plug. Rotate the engine (either way, by rotating the engine through the harmonic balancer or using the starter, you're going to need assistance from someone) until the pressure build-up pushes your thumb off the spark plug hole.

Then, turn the harmonic balancer by the 5/8" bolt head, and (here is a trick) align the marker-groove on the harmonic balancer with the initial advance VALUE desired (6 degrees, 8 degrees, or 10 degrees) at the applicable marker cut-out on the timing tab.

Then, check you distributor rotor, and notice where it is pointing to. It should be near the #1 distributor cap electrode. Now, just adjust the distributor body to align with the distributor rotor.

If the distributor rotor is 180 degrees from the #1 distributor cap electrode, then pull-out the distributor (not all the way) just to re-install it with the rotor aligned with the #1 distributor cap electrode.