Nissan Repair: Distibutor &timing, nissan 240sx, start from scratch

Question
I replaced the motor on a 89 nissan 240sx and the distributor had been removed.  I am using the distributor out of my old motor and have it set at top dead center.  My problem is the shaft that is in the motor does not line up with the distributor to be able to point the rotor at the number one plug.  How can I turn that shaft without turning the motor?  Can that shaft be removed and turned and how do I do that?

Answer
Hi James -

Are you saying that when you set the new motor at TDC and then place the distributor in the car, it does not line up with #1 cylinder tower on the distributor? Do you have access to the original distributor on the motor you installed?

Have you checked the alignment on the camshaft? Maybe the timing belt skipped a couple cogs.

I would go back to basics, start from scratch, and remove the timing cover to check all alignment points when the engine is set at TDC.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin