2002 Distributor Install Procedure

[wmako]

Can anyone help me with the procedure for installing a new distributor in a 2002 Astor 4.3L V6? I understand the basic mechanics, it is more the timing I am worried about. From my searching, it seems the distributor can not be turned (to adjust the timing), so there is really only one way to install it, but I am also reading where there may be more than on timing mark on the balancer, and also that maybe the rotor does not point exactly to #1 spark plug at TDC. If anyone knows anything more about this, any help is appreciated.

[wmako]

Ok, so I tried to install the distributor last night. I found that there are two markings on the balancer, about 45 degrees apart.

Which one do i use?

Also, I don't see anything obvious to line them up with. Do I line the mark up with the crankshaft position sensor?

Please, please, someone must know the answer to this!

[old_master]

There's a metal tab with a line on it attached to the timing cover at approximately 2:00 position.

Before you remove the old distributor, line the rotor up with the "6" on the distributor housing, and make sure the damper mark is lined up with the tab, that way you KNOW it's on the compression stroke.

If the old distributor is already out:

Slowly rotate the crankshaft clockwise with a socket and ratchet until the line on the damper is aligned with the line on the tab. If you pull #1 plug and put a straw in the hole, you can feel when the piston is at TDC. If the engine backfires or will not start, pull the distributor and rotate the shaft 180 degrees and reinstall.



This should help: