I had a strange problem when replacing my timing chain/gear set, or probably I'm not comprehending something simple. Or maybe it's the ridiculously "vagueness" of Haynes repair manuals, who knows. I faithfully removed the timing cover, and lined up the old dots, (both facing in towards each other), but when I did this, the rotor in the distributor no longer pointed towards #1 cylinder, it now pointed towards #6. I definately didn't want to put everything back together, and have to take it apart again. Long story short, moved the distributor so it lined up with #1 and nothing, put back in original position, #6 and vrooom! How is this possible?, please feel free to insult my obvious ignorance.

There are two TDC's - one at the end of the compression stroke (the one we use for setting the timing) and one at the end of the exhaust stroke. Was the engine at top dead center on the compression stroke for #1 when you pulled the timing? More likely, it was at TDC - compression for #6.
Remember that the cam and distributor turn at 1/2 engine speed, each cylinder fires every other turn of the crank, and the firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. The pistons for cylinders 1 and 6 are in the same relative position in the bores at all times, but the valve events are 360 degrees apart (crank position).

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

Thank you for the response, I took out the #1 plug and the piston was TDC, but that rotor was pointing to #6, I'm just happy it will run. That timing cover is a bear to get back on without loosening the oil pan nuts, couldn't reach them all, giant D-100 Ram cross-member in the way!

It isn't necessarily the best way to time a cam, but if the "dots" are aligned then the timing is correct per the factory specs. It doesn't really matter whether the distributor rotor points to #1 or #6, Now, if it points anywhere else then you have problems.

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.