My sons truck is not indexed. (pin sheared at base of distributer) Bought new dist. How do I set to TDC on compression for #1 cyclinder, and then properly index the dizzy and rotor and such.

 

By the way its a 1979 F150 with the 351 motor.

 

First, find the TDC (0) on the harmonic balancer.
Second, remove the #1 cylinder sparkplug.
Third, have someone bump the ignition switch while you have a finger over the #1 cylinder plug hole. When you feel compression and the TDC mark is lined up with the timing indicator on the block, your then at TOP Dead Center on the compression stroke.
Fourth, position the distributor with the vacuum canister facing straight forward and the rotor button between the the 1 o'clock and 2 o'clock position.
It make take several attemps to drop the distributor in place. It will rotate in a counter clockwise direction, but when it drops correctly the rotor button should be facing the #1 firing position.
I hope this helps a little.

 

Smokey has you on the right path, if you need to you can use a 1/4 extension and 5/16 socket to rotate the oil pump shaft. Sometimes that can keep the rotor from pointing where you need it.

 

Hey thanks guys. I will be doing this first thing in the morning. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again.

 

I always tape the socket to the extension when turning the oil pump shaft manually. There's nothing worse than it coming off and falling in!!

 

As soon as I read Jon R's post Sleepy, I was going to tell him to tape the socket on................you beat me to the punch!!!!!!!

 

Oh yeah, I forgot that part. Good you guys caught it.

 

I followed all the advice, got #1 at TDC. Aligned dizzy to drop in and be perfectly aligned. (rotor to #1 post) Have the timing at 8 degrees BTDC. Cranked it over, have spark, but no start. Back fires a little through carb. Any ideas?

 

I'm a little confused, how did you set the timing at 8 deg BTDC without getting the engine to run?. Anyway, loosen the hold-down bolt and try turning the distributor small increments at a time while someone is trying the to start. Good luck.

 

Did you use the right cylinder to index? Are the spark plug wires routed correctly?

 

I'd be willing to be you're 180* out.

 

It was 180 out. Set it right, fired right up, and runs perfect. My son was so happy to have his truck back. I also put a new alternator, voltage reg, cap, rotor, plugs, and wires on it. So it runs better then when he bought it. Thanks for all your help and tips. I cant say enough about this forum. Hopefully I will be able to return the favor.

 

Good news and good job!