Re-installing the distributor help!

[Williebeaman]

Ok guys so to start off I’m a newb when it comes to working on engines but I’m slowly learning on my 88 jimmy 350 tbi 700r4. So I had some leaks in my intake and valve covers so I took it part and replaced the gaskets. Everything is going back together I replaced my oil pressure sending unit while I had the distributor out and could access it since mine has been acting crazy. Then it hit me. I know nothing about how to set the timing and I forgot to make any marks when I took it out. So if I have my intake gasket back on and want to install my dizzy before I put the tbi unit back on what do I do? And how do I set my timing? I looked online but everyone just says it should have been marked which was my fault but can’t change it now.

 

[nvrenuf]

First, I’d suggest YouTube because I prefer visual explanations. Probably search for installing a distributor or finding top dead center (“tdc”).

The number 1 cylinder is the driver side front. Odd numbers on the driver side, even on the passenger.

Firing order is 18436572

You’ll need to pull the plug and then put your finger over (not in) the hole and feel for compression while someone barely bumps the starter to incrementally roll the motor over.

You’ll likely have to line up the oil pump drive with a screwdriver to be able to install the distributor flush(!).

Once you install the distributor you can reinstall the plug wires in order from wherever you make #1 on the cap.

There is a wire to disconnect while running to accurately set your timing, again YouTube.

 

[Wes Harden]

So the rotor will actually point towards #1 cylinder. After you feel the compression on #1 cylinder line up the timing marks at front crank shaft dampener and timing cover, to TDC. (Top Dead Center) Same mark you will use to time your engine with a timing light after it is running. Now is a good time to mark the dampener with bright yellow or white paint or similar.

 

[dyeager535]

Maybe I've been lucky, but I've never had to mess with the oil pump driveshaft. I believe dropping the distributor down repeatedly eventually forces it to turn far enough to allow the distributor to drop in.

I'd say the number one mistake is not making SURE the engine is at #1 TDC before you start trying to drop the distributor in. I've done it, and I was absolutely certain I hadn't, as it was on the engine stand when I did it. I prefer to set #1 TDC with a ratchet on the crank. Once it starts to push air past your finger, watch the timing mark, and you can only hope that mark hasn't slipped on the balancer. That seems to be relatively rare FWIW. It happens, but not that often.

Disconnect timing bypass wire (brown single wire connector poking out of a wire loom on the firewall), start it, make sure timing is set at 0*, turn it off, reconnect the timing bypass wire, tighten distributor hold down, restart, done.

 

[Kain]

set number one tdc, get a big screwdriver turn oil pump drive to 11 and 5 drop dizzy in pointing at number one it should fire need to use timing light to set timing but that should get you close to where it needs to be