So I installed my new crane fireball ignition yesterday, I probably did'nt have to but I pulled the distributer out and I must have mismarked it some how, I got the car started but it was obvious that is was off a tooth. what is the easiest way to get the motor to tdc can I take the valve cover off and look at the valves to see, and where should the distributer and rotor be, need help any sugestions would be awesome

At the transmission bell housing, at the 12 o'clock position there is a peep hole. Look for the Z mark. That indicates TDC. Also at the front crank pully there is a notch that the pointer on the front cover lines up with. That also indicates TDC. From there, pul the dist cap off. On the body of the distributor, where the cap mounts there is a notch. Line up the rotor with that mark when the cam gear is engaged into the distributor and that will be you #1 cylinder. This should get the car running. Once running you can use the timing ball in the peep hole in the tranny to set initial timing. I usually advance it(timing) until it starts to ping and the back it off until it stops pinging.

Cris

thanks

whats the easiest way to tur the motoe, shoul I pull the sprark plus and turn the motor with a wrench or should I use the starter motor one turn at a time

Put the car on a flat surface, in 4th gear. Roll the car forward to align the timing marks (approx 4ft for 1 full revolution). Beaner7102

just a note: the timing mark on the crank only gives you TDC on the compression stroke 50% of the time, and the exhaust stroke 50% of the time. It depends on the camshaft position, not the crank. I always pull my valve cover, and look at the timing mark on the cam pulley. If its lined up in the center, you know that its TDC of the compression stroke.
For the flywheel, I never could find the ball, not sure where it went. Even so, wouldn't it follow the same principle as the crank mark, and only 50% of the time?

From there, pul the dist cap off. On the body of the distributor, where the cap mounts there is a notch. Line up the rotor with that mark when the cam gear is engaged into the distributor and that will be you #1 cylinder.

where does that notch point....north, south, east, west or somewhere in between

just a note: the timing mark on the crank only gives you TDC on the compression stroke 50% of the time
You can pull plug #1 and jam a rubber glove in the hole (not all the way into the cylinder) when you roll the car forward (in 4th) as described above, on a compression stroke you will hear air trying to escape past the rubber, on an exhaust stroke you will hear nothing because the exhaust valve is open. Also the ball on the flywheel often gets covered in clutch dust and crud, so it is difficult to see, a stiff brush (like an old tooth brush) with the motor idling can clean it up enough to see it with a timing light. Beaner7102

where does that notch point....north, south, east, west or somewhere in between

5o'clock position. OT but, ESTY dude you're really getting a rise out of people at the FAQ. Pretty amusing stuff.

Cris

5o'clock position. OT but, ESTY dude you're really getting a rise out of people at the FAQ. Pretty amusing stuff.

Cristhanks for the tip on the dist...i pulled mine to polish it and was worring about getting the car started again....


and mr fjord....that would be ESTY dudette...and it's great to see you have a sense of humor......:)

5o'clock position.
Mine is at about 7-8 o'clock, standing on the RHS of the car looking at the motor (vac advance). Beaner7102