1987 distributor cap which is 1?

Answer 1

This question would be easier to answer if you were to specify the make, model, and engine size of the vehicle.

That aside, typically if you rotate the engine to cylinder 1 TDC on the compression stroke the distributor rotor will be pointed at the contact for cylinder #1. Many vehicles have a mark on the harmonic damper/balancer to indicate the location of cylinder 1 TDC. Note that this could be either TDC on the compression stroke or on the exhaust stroke so you might actually have the distributor rotor pointed exactly opposite from #1.

If you don't have an easy to see mark, there are other ways to find #1 TDC. One method that works on some engines is to insert a long thin screwdriver through the spark plug hole and feel the screwdriver come up as far as it will come up while cranking the engine over slowly with a wrench. Again, this does not differentiate between Compression and Exhaust strokes so you might have your rotor pointed exactly backwards. Also, if you feel any binding as you turn the engine over, immediately turn the engine backwards to avoid possible damage to engine valves.

If your engine is a DOHC engine, you may be able to shine a flashlight in through the spark plug hole and watch the piston come up as you crank the engine over.

Whenever you are cranking the engine over mechanically (as with a wrench) you must be very careful to first disable the ignition system and/or disconnect the battery to prevent the engine starting which could injure you.

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