Timing Issues...AGAIN!!!

[TrickFlowd]

This is starting to get annoying!

I just recently fixed a lifter tunnel gasket leak. The dumb F**k that I bought the car from used I swear, a whole tube of RTV and no front and rear rubber gaskets. There was oil basically streaming out of the rear part of the lower intake. So I replaced it and my DUMB A** forgot to put the car at TDC and mark the distributor. I can't seem to get the timing back to where it was. Its really close, but not quite there. I put #1 to TDC and made sure the rotor was lined up with the #1 plug. But my question is, where should the distributor rotation be when I line up the rotor with #1 plug? I guess what I mean, is where should the harness plug be in position to the rotor when I drop the dist. back down? Maybe I'm just dumb this time around. Its been a LONG week! Thanks guys!

 

[Convict1997]

It doesn't matter. As long as you can turn the distributor far enough in either direction to set the timing without the harness hitting anything, then it's fine. Now, there are some people out there who will try to tell you that it has to be put in on one particular tooth, but that doesn't make any sense and from my experience it doesn't make a difference. I've stabbed my distributor in atleast three or four different positions in the process of my motor swap and as long as I could rotate the distributor far enough without hitting anything it was good. It may help to have someone help with holding the timing light while you get the distributor turned and tighten the nut. Once I'd get mine loose enough to rotate it, the tension from the plug wires or the harness would cause it to move. I needed three hands to hold the light, turn the distributor, and tighten the nut.

 

[RYC CUKR]

When I have done the same in the past I get the dizzy back in pretty much lined up with rotor on #1, with #1 at TDC, with enough room that I can turn it to get the timing right. I'll pull the spout out, get my timing light and a friend. I have him crank the car over while I get it timed correctly. Otherwise its a pain cause it usually will start and then die if the timing is too far off.

I usually use RTV instead of the crappy cork gaskets but if the intake gasket comes with the rubber end seals I use them with a little rtv at each corner.

 

[TrickFlowd]

yeah I bought the good gaskets. Felpro Part # 93334. The are metal with a rubber substance over top, and come with rubber, pre-fit end gaskets. I just used a 1/2 circle of RTV on each corner, let it sit over night, and NO LEAKS! I have to get a gun this weekend and then I'll get the timing right. Was just curious if I had to have the harness plug in a certain place. Thanks guys!