Installing distributor after turning crankshaft

[kjknittel]

I just finished installing a rebuilt engine into my 1999 4.3l 4wd Jimmy. The flywheel was turned multiple times during the install. I have compression on my #1 spark plug. Anyone know the steps I need to take to finish installing my distrubutor?

[rlith]

Turn the crank so that the #1 cyl is TDC Drop the dist in on it's locking pin and the rotor turned to the #1 position (about 7 oclock, don't be fooled by whats on top of the cap, it really starts at 7 oclock)

only semi snug it down (don't forget the gasket) and try to start it, if it doesn't start or starts and runs like crap, you're probably a tooth or two off in the worng direction... Will probably take a couple of tries.

[MT-2500]

After you get it running as Rlith posted.
You will find that turning the dist does not change or adjust the timming. The timming is preset from the crank sensor.
But you need to get it on a scanner and check the camshaft offset retard.
Set it as close to - or + o degrees as you can.
What that does is point or centers the rotor towards the plug wire terminal in dist cap.
MT-2500

[rlith]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

After you get it running as Rlith posted.
You will find that turning the dist does not change or adjust the timming. The timming is preset from the crank sensor.
But you need to get it on a scanner and check the camshaft offset retard.
Set it as close to - or + o degrees as you can.
What that does is point or centers the rotor towards the plug wire terminal in dist cap.
MT-2500

Actually he won't be able to twist it at all, it's a locked dist. There is a pin coming up on the lower intake that locks into the stem of the distributor so it can't be turned.

[MT-2500]

Yes some of them are locked. But where there is a will there is a way.
I always check the cam retard and if it if off over 2- or 2+.
On the locked type dist I file or drill out the hold clamp sideways enought to get the cam retard set right.
That may not be in the book but it works fot me.
Mt-2500

[rlith]

Typically if it is 2 deg off in either direction, it will either not start or run like ass.. This usually indicates a tooth off. Which brings us back to the pain in the ass of pulling it out and dropping it back in. Though even when put in right, adjusting as you said is fairly useless because the ECM will correct it...