Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Static timing for car engine, replacement manifold, static timing

Question
Hello,

I had the horrible occurence of an inlet manifold springing a leak on my Mitsubishi van the other day.

I found a replacement manifold at a wrecking yard and took the old one out and replaced it however in doing so I had to take out the distributer.

Everything went back together beautifully however I am told that the engine timing has been altered and will start if I attemot a static timing of the timing marks on the side of the pulley.

Can you tell me step by step how to do this, I am pretty mechanically minded however do not know the steps in achieving correct timing with regard to aligning the marks with TDC of piston number one.

I cannot see how you tell if the piston is at TDC and then maintain that by putting a wrench on the pulley and turning it to align the marks, does the piston then not move at that point?

Appreciate your help, kind of like to learn this as it happens quite a bit with my vehicles.

Regards,
John

Answer
Hi John,

I can't tell you how to set TDC with the timing marks.  However, once the #1 piston is at TDC (Both valves will be closed.)(The timing marks may probably be lined up also.) You can set the distributor so that the #1 cylinder fires.  Final exact timing needs to be set with a timing light.

Good luck.
Michael