This is not a complete format on distributor in- stallation, just a few basics needed understood.
First, getting #1 piston to the top on compression stroke. Pulling the spark plug and putting finger in hole is one way. Turn crank by whatever method and hear air by finger, turn ctank until timing marks allign. Or, as many state, watch valve operation to see both intake and exhaust valve close. Point to remember, at the top of the exhaust stroke the exhaust valve is nearly closed and may appear closed, also the intake valve is just starting to open, but may also appear closed. This is valve overlap to allow the fresh gas and air mixture comming in to force just a little more exhaust out so it won't be left to contaminate the fresh mixture.
BUT, both valves may appear to be closed and if the distributor is installed with rotor pointing toward #1, the distributor will be 180 degrees out.
Second, notice my wording that the rotor will be pointing towards #1. I have known many mechanics
in the past think that this means that the rotor will be pointing towards the actual #1 cylinder but the rotor will point toward #1 contact point on the distributor cap. With the cap in place, you mark the distributor base with paint or some-thing at #1 contact point and use this as a guide to point the rotor. You more experienced mechanics and tinkerers may think this trivial, but after 29 years teaching teen-age students the basics, a clear and concise description is very necessary. I hope this will help some new budding mechanics.
Truck Tinker
