I'm finally doing my LIM gasket. I've got most of the ancillary parts on top of the manifold removed. I need to disconnect the fuel lines and remove the distributor. I've got the rotor tip perfectly aligned with the number 6 on the distributor body. I can't find the damper (balancer) markings, no lines no divots nothing anywhere that I can see or feel to double check that the #1 cylinder is at TDC. The easy mark to find should be around the timing indicator off of the block, but nothing is there. I checked all the way around the damper and found nothing.

If the rotor is pointed at the 6 and everything ran fine before, as far as timing is concerned; then can I assume #1 is at TDC???

Or should I just mark it where it is and put it back the same way and not worry about it?

 

The only reason for aligning the rotor with the "6" is for reference only, so you reinstall it in the exact same spot. The base of the distributor can only be installed one way due to the design of the hold down bracket. If you have the rotor aligned with the "6", #1 piston is at TDC compression. As for the dampener marks, (or lack of them ) the outer ring is mounted in rubber and may have slipped. Not a big deal as long as you align the rotor like you did, before removing the distributor.

Keep in mind that when you're all done with the job, you need to check/adjust camshaft retard with a capable scan tool. It is adjusted by slightly rotating the distributor base while watching camshaft retard streaming data. When the distributor is out, notice that the OD of the distributor base is smaller than the ID of the intake manifold, this is what allows the distributor to rotate slightly.