I removed the distributor rather hastily without thinking things through. I realized now that I should have set the motor to TDC and also marked the distributor position as to help with setting the timing. At this point, what would you do to assure you get the new distributor inserted and joined at the proper tooth?

 

Bring number 1 cylinder to top dead center on compression stroke

Verify balancer is lined up with timing mark.

Point distributor towards number 1 cylinder.

If it fires up verify timing.

Is this a 22RE or a 3VZE?

 

Thanks for the fast reply. It's a 22r.

 

If you are uncertain about what stroke your on pull the valve cover. Both the exhaust and intake valve should be shut on the compression stroke at TDC. Google can also help if you need a how to video or pictures.

 

Just to clarify:
(After making sure Cylinder 1 is at TDC)
Point the rotor towards where the No. 1 Plug wire connects to the distributor cap.
Hand tighten the distributor bolt with it near the center of the adjustment slot.
It should fire up, then you will need to set the timing advance with a timing light per underhood or Repair Manual instructions.

 

So I found TDC and got everything back together. Got out the timing light and, with the vacuum lines to the distributor capped, set the timing. However, the distributor body had to be adjusted in the maximum downward position. This put the little pulley dot exactly on the 0 mark. Think im off by a tooth? Or should I roll with it?

 

If you are maxed out, it is probably a tooth off. I common issue on these. When you install the distributor, point the rotor to the 11 o'clock position and it will rotate to the 12 o'clock position.

A Timing Video I like Better. Set Crankshaft pulley to 5 degrees.
Timing Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qEQM...ature=youtu.be



Easy way to install distributor on Youtube.