QuestionQUESTION: At tdc #1 cyl the rotor points at #5 on cap, no matter what I do
ANSWER: Hi Nate,
Are you aware that the terminal for a given spark plug wire is not necessarily in the comparable location of the wire connector on the outside for the cap? There is some internal re-wiring in the cap itself between the locations. If you notice the wires are arranged 135426 but the actual firing order is 123456 so what you may think is the 5 terminal is possibly actually the 1 terminal. If it weren't as I described, the firing order would be all wrong. When you remove a distributor you have to mark the rotor direction on the body of the distributor and make sure it is at that same position when you put it back, and of course don't move the crankshaft in between times. If that is the case, then everything should be alright and you are just being mislead by the internal re-wiring in the cap. Let me know if otherwise.
Roland
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Unfortunately the distrib was not marked and the crank was moved. I rotated the crank to tdc on the compression stroke, are you saying I should trust the timing and install as is?
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Hi Nate
If you are certain that it is at #1 TDC compression (do that by looking at the timing mark of the camshaft sprocket of the front cylinder bank to be sure it matches the mark on the rear of the timing cover, after removing the top timing cover to access the view*), them use an ohmmeter or continuity tester to determine which terminal inside the cap is connected to the #1 wire's socket on the outside of the cap. Put a mark on the outside of the cap directly next to that terminal. Then put the cap on the distributor and extend the cap's mark onto the body of the distributor. Then remove the cap and put the tip of the rotor in alignment with that mark. Then insert the distributor with the rotor so-aligned and make sure it is still aligned when the distributor is inserted. That should get things all lined up.
Roland
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*It is not lined up then you most rotate the crankshaft to get it aligned, but only turn the crank clockwise. Don't go counter-clockwise or you run the risk of jumping a tooth on the timing belt and that opens another 'can of worms'.
