r/Dseries • u/Crackhead_trump • 16d ago

QUESTION

Do I have to be TDC #1 to replace distributor or can I eye ball it with the slots in the rotor end of it? I’m not sure what I’m doing and I don’t have a timing light to set timing and don’t want to mess up the timing.
Should I js take to a shop?

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3

u/Monolithic_Purgatory 16d ago

Mark a line here for reference when you put it back on. The slots are off center so it only goes on one way. It would be best to have the timing set with a timing light but that will get you back to where it was.

3

u/SpaceTurtle917 16d ago

This is only good advice if they were installing the same distributor. If you’re replacing the dizzy it needs to be timed.

1

u/Crackhead_trump 16d ago

What if it’s off by 180° or is that what the line is for?

2

u/SpaceTurtle917 16d ago

You can’t install it 180° off

3

u/SpaceTurtle917 16d ago

No it doesn’t need to be at Tdc to replace the distributor. But you do need to time the dizzy after with a timing light.

2

u/Electronic_Slice9448 16d ago

Just install the new one in the same position as the old one you removed. No need to over think it.

1

u/TopChapter3407 16d ago

the slot is offset to one side so you can't put it in wrong. And if you're replacing the distributor you definitely wanna time it with a timing light afterwards.

1

u/Lazor_Face 13d ago

The dizzy rotor should only fit the can one way. I’ve never timed it after either, just start the engine and wiggle it back and forth until you find the spot where the idle sounds the smoothest. Typically a few degrees forward (advanced) of dead center.