timing issues sbc

[TheJDMan]

Assuming the cam timing is correct, the procedure I use to time the distributor is to first pull the #1 spark plug. Then have a friend cover the plug hole with their finger or purchase a whistler and screw it into the plug hole. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise with a ratchet until air pressure pushes the finger off the hole and continue turning the crank to line up the timing marks at ZERO. You now have the engine positioned with the #1 cylinder at TDC on the compression stroke. Looking at the distributor cap, locate #1 plug wire and using a marker mark where that location is on the distributor base. With the crank at ZERO install the distrubutor with the rotor lined up with the mark on the housing when the distbutor is down. The distrubutor may not drop completely down due to the oil pump drive shaft not lining up so you may need to continue rotating the crank until it drops. Rotate the crank two rotations clockwise back to ZERO and the rotor should line up with the mark on the housing. To put in a little advance timing prior to starting the engine rotate the distributor housing counter clockwise about 1/2" then install the hold down clamp. If you did everything accurately the engine should start and you can time it properly.

[Ron Sutton]

Assuming the cam timing is correct, the procedure I use to time the distributor is to first pull the #1 spark plug. Then have a friend cover the plug hole with their finger or purchase a whistler and screw it into the plug hole. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise with a ratchet until air pressure pushes the finger off the hole and continue turning the crank to line up the timing marks at ZERO. You now have the engine positioned with the #1 cylinder at TDC on the compression stroke. Looking at the distributor cap, locate #1 plug wire and using a marker mark where that location is on the distributor base. With the crank at ZERO install the distrubutor with the rotor lined up with the mark on the housing when the distbutor is down. The distrubutor may not drop completely down due to the oil pump drive shaft not lining up so you may need to continue rotating the crank until it drops. Rotate the crank two rotations clockwise back to ZERO and the rotor should line up with the mark on the housing. To put in a little advance timing prior to starting the engine rotate the distributor housing counter clockwise about 1/2" then install the hold down clamp. If you did everything accurately the engine should start and you can time it properly.

Agreed.