I'm going to replace my distributor o-ring to fix a leak (3vze 6-cyl). The manual says to re-time engine after distributor is removed/re-installed. Can I get away without doing this if I'm careful? I don't have a timing light or remote tach, but I'll buy them if I have to. Thanks.

 

You probably can if you mark everything exactly before you remove anything. Of course, make sure the cam/cranks are on TDC on the compression stroke....the rotor will be pointing at #1 spark terminal. But, with a fine point paint pen, make a mark "very carefully" to realign the distributor. If it's off even just a hair, though, you're motor will explode and you'll have to live with it the rest of your life!...heavy.

I'm kidding...
It won't be a big deal if it's off a hair. But, you should be able to do it well enough. I have.

 

time it with "the calibrated ear"

 

If you mark the distributor body in relation to the block and make a mark where the rotor is pointing it doesn't matter what stroke the engine is on.

I've done it dozens of times.

Don't turn the engine when the distributor is out though.

 

True! Even if you do screw up and turn anything, it's easy enough to just realign everything. But, then you WOULD have to retime it. So....