Convert back to D Jet Fuel Injection-, Distributor Static Timing. Options

[young55961]

I set the engine to TDC on cylinder #1. The timing mark is lined up with the case split. Both the intake and exhaust rocker arms have a little movement when I turn the fan pulley slightly left and right.

The distributor rotor is pointing to about the 8 o'clock position. 

Does this look correct?

Also, how do I set the static ignition timing on this engine?

[Artfrombama]

I set the engine to TDC on cylinder #1. The timing mark is lined up with the case split. Both the intake and exhaust rocker arms have a little movement when I turn the fan pulley slightly left and right.

The distributor rotor is pointing to about the 8 o'clock position. 

Does this look correct?

Also, how do I set the static ignition timing on this engine?

Both cyl. #1 valves should be closed to be on TDC compression, otherwise the engine is on TDC exhaust stroke

I use a continuity tester to set static timing. Align your timing marks and slowly turn the distributor until the points break (no continuity)

[Jack Standz]

If the #1 intake and #1exhaust rocker arms are moving at/around "TDC", you are not at TDC for the #1 cylinder's compression stroke.

You could be at TDC for the #1 cylinder but you may be on the exhaust stroke, but maybe not. Reconfirm everything. Things like the fan marking for TDC (some Type IV motors don't have a mark on the fan for TDC), where the distributor is installed, etc.

[young55961]

If the #1 intake and #1exhaust rocker arms are moving at/around "TDC", you are not at TDC for the #1 cylinder's compression stroke.

You could be at TDC for the #1 cylinder but you may be on the exhaust stroke, but maybe not. Reconfirm everything. Things like the fan marking for TDC (some Type IV motors don't have a mark on the fan for TDC), where the distributor is installed, etc.

I checked both the fan and the flywheel, and all the timing marks line up.

I rotated the engine one full revolution, and now the rotor is pointing to the 2 o'clock position. The problem is that the air temperature sensor is blocking distributor vac. I have to remove the sensor; otherwise, I can't set the timing.

[Artfrombama]

#1 piston is at TDC twice per cycle. Once during the exhaust stroke and once during the compression stroke. The timing marks will align on the exhaust as well as the compression stroke.
Static timing video

[young55961]

I suspect the drive shaft may be installed the opposite way. I remember my Type 1 SVDA distributor # 1 should on 4 o'clock position .

[Jack Standz]

If the #1 intake and #1exhaust rocker arms are moving at/around "TDC", you are not at TDC for the #1 cylinder's compression stroke.

You could be at TDC for the #1 cylinder but you may be on the exhaust stroke, but maybe not. Reconfirm everything. Things like the fan marking for TDC (some Type IV motors don't have a mark on the fan for TDC), where the distributor is installed, etc.

I checked both the fan and the flywheel, and all the timing marks line up.

I rotated the engine one full revolution, and now the rotor is pointing to the 2 o'clock position. The problem is that the air temperature sensor is blocking distributor vac. I have to remove the sensor; otherwise, I can't set the timing.

"all the timing marks line up."

Really don't know what that means.

You need to put the motor at TDC for #1 on the compression stroke. After you are absolutely 110% positive (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) your motor is sitting at TDC for #1 cylinder on compression, then you can "clock" the distributor (if necessary, pull it out and reinstall in the correct position) and make sure it is fully seated so that the rotor is pointing to the #1 spark plug wire. Then make sure the spark plug wires are installed in the correct order.

If the sensor is in the way, you can pull the distributor and reinstall the distributor in the position that gives you enough movement to adjust the timing without hitting the sensor. At this point you can install the spark plug wires in the correct position and order. As long as the rotor is pointing at the #1 spark plug wire in the distributor cap at true TDC and the other spark plug wires are in the correct position, you should be OK.

Best wishes with your project!

BTW there are other methods of determing TDC on a Type IV motor, if you don't use the method in the posted photos. However, this method works and seems to be the least difficult to implement.

[Jack Standz]

[quote name='Jack Standz' date='Jun 20 2026, 10:33 AM' post='3262094']
[quote name='young55961' post='3262052' date='Jun 20 2026, 05:52 AM']
[quote name='Jack Standz' post='3262044' date='Jun 19 2026, 04:30 PM']


You need to put the motor at TDC for #1 on the compression stroke. After you are absolutely 110% positive (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) your motor is sitting at TDC for #1 cylinder on compression, then you can "clock" the distributor (if necessary, pull it out and reinstall in the correct position) and make sure it is fully seated so that the rotor is pointing to the #1 spark plug wire. Then make sure the spark plug wires are installed in the correct order.

If the sensor is in the way, you can pull the distributor and reinstall the distributor in the position that gives you enough movement to adjust the timing without hitting the sensor. At this point you can install the spark plug wires in the correct position and order. As long as the rotor is pointing at the #1 spark plug wire in the distributor cap at true TDC and the other spark plug wires are in the correct position, you should be OK.

[/quote]

If you need to "reclock" the distributor, this means removing/reinstalling the distributor and the distributor drive shaft.