Going to be putting on the Summit HEI distributor as well as new plugs and wires this weekend. I understand I should be installing the distributor with the #1 piston at the top of the compression stroke. There's no timing plate or visible timing marks on the valve cover, at least none that I can see. So I am planning on removing the valve cover and seeing the position of the piston that way.

A few questions:
1. Will that work?
2. Assuming the piston isn't where it should be, how do I move it?
3. Is there an easier or better way to do this?

 

Move the crank/piston with a ratchet wrench and a 15/16 socket on the end of the crankshaft. It helps to remove the plugs.

Watch the valves on #6 cylinder. When the exhaust nearly closes and the intake starts to open you are at TDC #1 (WITHIN A COUPLE OF DEGREES) as the two rockers come into alignment with each other.

Another tip to insure you are at #1 compression is stuff a wet paper towel into the #1 plug hole and listen for it to pop out as in nears TDC

Did you check the front cover for timing marks?

 

Thanks. What's a good reference for torque specs? I need to know what to tighten the valve cover bolts to, What i really need is a service manual!

I'll check the front cover but then id have to learn how to use the timing marks.

 

For what you're doing, checking for TDC is relatively easy.

As FTF said, get a 15/16" socket for the front pulley and remove, at least, the #1 spark plug. Rotate the engine clockwise until you feel pressure coming out of the #1 spark plug hole (to be sure you're on the compression stroke).

Then, use a flash light, look in the spark plug hole, and slowly rotate until you see the piston come to the highest point. It should be at, or very near, TDC. You don't have to take the valve cover off. (If you do, torque specs are 6 - 9 ft/lbs).

The timing cover on the front of the engine is where your timing marks should be. There will be a mark on the harmonic balancer. When you're at, or close, to TDC, the timing mark should be very close to the 0 line.

If your timing cover is covered in grease or grime, you're going to want to clean it off. You'll have a tough time getting a distributor installed right if you don't know what your timing is.


Helpful tip with the HEI. With the cap ON, pick which post you want for your #1. Then, use a permanent marker and put a line on the metal housing that lines up with the #1 post. That way, you can tell when the rotor is pointed toward the #1 spark plug when you take the cap off.

After you find TDC, rotate the engine until your timing mark is at your desired idle timing (around 12°). Then, install the distributor, rotate it until the rotor is pointed toward #1, tighten it down, and fire it up. It should, at least, start. Then, you can readjust your timing with a light to be sure it's accurate.

 

Thanks FTF and AB!

Where on the timing cover are the marks located?

 

You can see them in this picture above the harmonic balancer and to the left of the circle in the middle of the timing gear cover.

 

Super pretty engine!

Ok, with the alternator belt off I can see the marks. Thank you!

 

Removed the belts and the tensioner pulley bracket and could clearly see the timing marks. Engine is now at TDC. Unless it's off by 180°.....

Much easier turning the engine when the tranny is out of gear!

 

Haha, yes. Taking it out of gear makes a huge difference.

Also, don't forget to take the wrench off the pulley before you fire it up.

 

LOL....I did leave the wrench on the pulley! For now.

I need to pull the #1 plug and see if I'm on the compression stroke or not.
​​​​​​_________

Just got the cork to pop.