TDC is top dead center it pretains to the position of the pistons. The number one piston has to be TDC when you put on the timing chain or belt for it to work properly.
rotor will point to #1 at TDC.
on top dead rotor should be pointing at #1
The timing should be set at 12 degrees before top dead center. If this is a Canadian heavy duty engine, it should be set at 2 degrees after top dead center.
Timing on this truck according to the manual is 12 deg. before top dead center. This includes both manual and auto transmissions, light duty application. 4bbl heavy duty application is 2 deg. after top dead center.
The scale should be up around the 1:00-2:00 position as you are looking through the grill at the crankshaft pulley. We need the setting in degrees!!! You know like Below top dead center BTDC or Above top dead center ATDC !!!!!!!!!!
bring #1 piston to top dead center where both intake & exahust valves are in closed position
The firing order for a 1978 318 and 360 is: 1843657 with the distributor rotating clockwise. Timing should be set around 4 degrees btdc (before top dead center).
set it at top dead center the computer does the rest
Chilton manual says 5 degrees after top dead center.
TDC is 0 degrees TDC, not 10 degrees BTDC which is before top dead center. ATDC is after top dead center. Both of these in relation to piston height are "below top dead center".
17 thousandths on the points and 10-12 degrees before top dead center. Early '70s vehicles came from factory with 0 btdc for smog reasons but now that they are excempt 10-12 is best.
top dead center is what it stands for. top dead center