1990 4 cylinder timing problem, need help.

[valkyriemc]

Well, the repair job started off easy enough.... Found out I actually had two problems.
1. Bad water pump, that was no big deal.
2. Then noticed the dxxx crankshaft harmonic balancer was loose! So
I checked the crank bolt it was loose and the threads were beat up, got another one. Harmonic B. was messed up (loose fitting) got one on order. ($100.00) Rudruff key- replaced.

Remaining Issue - problem; I'm looking at the timing for the Hxxx of it and something doesn't add up...(yea-it was running ok before the teardown)
1. Crankshaft/pully with timming mark-verticle on the money.
2. Camshaft timing mark verticle also on the money.
3. I look at the distributer and the blasted rotor is pointing to cylinder number four! (towards the fire wall) Huh?? Whattt???
4. If I rotate the crank c.w. to put the camshaft mark down vertically, then the distributer points to number one cylinder.
5. Re-check the above 5 times, everthing. I give up.

[valkyriemc]

1. Determined that no 1 piston was at TDC by checking for both valves being closed(could not blow into cyclinder) , 2. checked for the distributor pointing to number 1., 3. crankshaft point/mark right at 12 o'clock, 4. but cam shaft was 180 out.- i diregarded this as i knew the valves were in the right poition -closed. I chalked the cam shaft sprocket "180 out" deal up to a head job done by somebody else, and it started right up.... Been running good eversince.

[TroopsTrooper]

Same issue. Replaced L4 with new one (S&S $1600) and, as it came with timing belt emplaced and marks aligned, I didn't worry about it.. I put in the distributor, alinged the rotor to #1 and it wouldn't fire. I moved it a tooth either way and still can't figure it out. I have fuel and spark, etc..

Can anyone help?>
Thanks

[atfdmike]

Firing Order, #1 Cylinder Location And Timing Marks

Firing Order: 1 - 3 - 4 - 2

1. Timing belt Install the timing belt in the sequence indicated.

1. Align the matchmarks of the crankshaft timing pulley with that of the front oil seal retainer.

Fig. 20 Aligning camshaft timing pulley & front plate

1. Align the matchmarks of the camshaft timing pulley with that of the front plate.

Note: At this point the No.4 cylinder comes to its compression, top dead center.</B>

1. Lay the timing belt over the crank pulley, oil pump pulley, cam pulley, and tension pulley in the indicated order, avoiding any loosening between them.

1. Loosen bolt "B" to allow the tension spring to tighten the belt.
2. Temporarily tighten bolt "B".
3. Temporarily attach the crank pulley.

1. Turn the crankshaft two revolutions in the opposite direction of normal rotation to align the crankshaft matchmarks with the crankshaft timing pulley matchmarks.
2. Loosen bolt "B" and tighten the belt with the tension pulley.
3. Tighten bolt "B" to the specified torque.

Torque: 1.9 kg-m (13.7 ft.lbs)</B>

1. Timing belt cover (upper and lower) Attach the timing belt cover and tighten to the specified torque.

Torque: 0.6 kg-m (4.4 ft.lbs)</B>

1. Crankshaft pulley Apply Pulley to the crankshaft and tighten crankshaft pulley bolt to the specified torque.

Torque: 12.0 kg-m (86.7 ft.lbs)</B>
TO INSTALL DISTRIBUTOR

• Remove VALVE COVER Timing Mark
• Move No. 4 cylinder to TDC on compression stroke. Be sure timing marks are aligned.
• Apply engine oil to distributor O-ring.

Alignment Marks

• Align distributor case setting mark with distributor shaft setting mark.
• Fit distributor to cylinder head and align distributor shaft setting mark with cylinder head setting mark.
• Refit VALVE COVER.
• Tighten distributor mounting bolt to:

14 ft lb</B> (19 Nm)

• Refit spark plug wires.
• Check and adjust Ignition Timing

[bwktp]

i am having the same problem if i let it sit over night i will start with some help but thats it and if i crimp the fuel line it will start for about 3 to 5 sec