Yes the rotor should be pointing to the #1 cylinder when you are installing the distributor.
The ignition timing is set on a GM Goodwrench 350 engine by bringing the number one piston to top dead center. The distributor rotor is then pointed to the number one piston, a timing light connected, and the rotor turned until the correct timing is reached.
bring number 1 piston up to top dead center point rotorbutton to number 1 sparkplug wire on the distributor cap can you get more preformance by the timing
To reset the timing on an 88 Mighty Max with a 1-piston engine, start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal. Next, remove the timing cover and align the crankshaft pulley to the correct timing mark on the engine block. Adjust the distributor's position until the rotor points at the correct cylinder, usually marked on the distributor itself. Finally, reassemble everything and reconnect the battery to test the timing.
Put the #1 piston at TDC. Pull the Distributor cap off (2 clips). Mark the position of the rotor relative to the distributor. Remove the timing adjusting nut located to the rear of the engine just behind the distributor. Pull it out (it twists as it comes out). DO NOT move the Veh or turn the engine over, as this will make correct timing that much harder. Instalation is the reverse procedure. Adjust timing with timing light.
- Do not adjust timing on anything from the distributor cap. You can adjust timing by moving the distributor. - You need a timing light and timing needs to be at top dead center to start. Then make a visible mark on base of distributor and engine block so you know where distributor was when you started. That's in case you need to start over. - Loosen the bolt that holds the distributor. Only loosen it enough to move the distributor. - Now hook up the timing light, being careful not to get hit by fan, or caught in the fan belt. Aim the timing light at timing marks on the front of motor. You may need a second person to move the distributor for you. This gets moved very slowly, a tiny amount at a time. - Using white out, color the correct timing line on front of engine so it will light up when using timing light. - Start the engine while watching the light on the timing marks. You can tell the other person how much and which way to move the distributor. Move only until the marks are lined up . - When it is correct it will look like the light is on all the time. When the distributor is in the correct position tighten the bolt that holds the distributor. - After doing this, if the engine is backfiring, and you have previously had the distributor removed from the engine, it is most likely because the distributor is installed 180 degrees wrong. - To correct the backfiring remove the distributor bolt, rotate the engine top dead center on the number one piston. If the rotor at this time is not pointing at the number one plug lead then carefully lift the distributor from the engine enough to rotate the rotor 180 degrees. Then re-insert the distributor and try timing from start again.
To set the timing on a 1993 Mazda 2.5L engine, first, ensure the engine is at TDC (Top Dead Center) on the compression stroke for cylinder number one. Align the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley with the timing pointer on the engine. Adjust the distributor so that the rotor points to the number one cylinder terminal on the distributor cap. Finally, secure the distributor and recheck the timing with a timing light if necessary.
Put the engine at top dead center cylinder #1 by removing the plug and bringing the piston to the top. Mark the balancer and timing cover where ever is easier to see. Use an advancing timing light set at 10* and turn the distributor until both marks meet.
You need to reposition the No. 1 piston to TDC (top dead center). You can do this by removing the spark plug from the No.1 piston and feel for compression as the crankshaft is turned. Or, you can rotate the crankshaft by hand with a large breaker bar and socket and align the the crankshaft vibration damper scribe mark to the TDC mark on the timing chain cover, while the distributor rotor points to the distributor cap terminal that fires the number 1 cylinder.
Connect a timing light according to the manufacturers instructions to the Number 1 (front) spark plug cable. Run the engine at 2500 rpm. Loosen the distributor clamps and rotate the distributor until the "S" mark on the crankshaft front pulley lines up with mark on engine casting as timing light flashes on. When distributor timing is correct, tighten the distributor clamps.
Bring No1 piston to TDC on the compression stroke. Look at the rotor to make sure its pointing to the No1 plug tower. If it is remove the distributor. THEN DON'T MOVE THE ENGINE. When installing distributor make sure the rotor is pointing to the No1 plug tower and install distributor. You can use a timing lite to reset the timing.
The timing marks can assist a mechanic in setting the engine timing. The number one timing marks will set the number one piston so that the number one valve can be properly adjusted.
To adjust the distributor for setting the timing on a 'SD1 V8 engine', first, ensure the engine is at the correct timing mark, usually at TDC (top dead center) on the compression stroke for cylinder number one. Loosen the distributor hold-down clamp and rotate the distributor slightly while observing the timing light or the timing marks on the engine. Adjust until the desired timing specification is met, then tighten the hold-down clamp securely. Finally, recheck the timing to ensure it hasn't shifted during tightening.