I just removed the intake manifold to do a Lim gasket. I read that the truck has to be put to TDC on the compression stroke before installing the distributor is this the way to go ? Can I just put I back in the way I took it out if I haven't turned over the engine or anything ? Thanks everyone

 

If you have not rotated the crank and you know which way the rotor was pointing before you removed it, you can put it back in.

The challenge when reinstalling it is that the oilpump driveshaft into which the distributor shaft is keyed can be left rotated a bit too much so that you cannot get the distributor in pointed in the wrong way. This happens when the distributor gear is off by one tooth which I think is about 29 degrees.

To realign the oil pump driveshaft, I used a large flatblade screwdriver to rotate it back. It took a couple tries with the screwdriver but I got it in where I wanted.

 

thank you so much I do remember it being pointing 180 of the 6 marking meaning it's on the exhaust stroke I believe. Great advice will use your info for reinstallation

 

Also, if the oil pump shaft isn't lined up but you're certain you have the distributor in correctly, you can just bump the starter and it will drop right in. It helps if you have somebody apply SLIGHT downward pressure on the distributor as you do it.

 

I forgot to add that because of the small number of teeth on the distributor gear (you can count them to confirm), you will find that if you are off, you will be obviously off because the number of teeth is pretty few (13?). Basically, it will either drop in exactly where you need it or it will be quite a ways off, so much so that it will be obvious. (If it is 13 teeth then being off by one tooth = 360 degrees/13 = 28 degrees.) If it doesn't work, remove it and then use the screwdriver to readjust the oil pump driveshaft a bit and try again.

 

Another thing you can do for that pesky driveshaft is just wiggle the rotor while letting the weight of the distributor sit on the pump driveshaft, it will move itself into position with a bit of finagling

 

WHat about TDC is the feeling for air and listening for air on compression stroke on cylinder 1 the correct thing to do ? Then make sure it's all the way up while on compression stroke.

 

My understanding is if you have to go the route of setting the crank at TDC then you have to set the ECU to do a "relearn" for the crank timing. I've never had to do that and from what I heard it can be quite the hassle. On my old cars, 71 Dart, 68 Mustang, 82 Prelude, this is not a problem but with the crank sensor and the computer, it is.

 

Nope, Only if the Crank sensor is disturbed, say it gets removed and put back or unbolted, knocked hard by a tool while working in the engine bay, timing cover replaced, connector damaged, etc.

To set the crank at TDC on Compression stroke on the number 1 cylinder:

Turn the crank Clockwise (and ONLY clockwise) by hand until the timing marks on the balancer line up with the two notches on the timing cover, there are 2 marks on the balancer as well and you only really need to line up one of them. as long as its the furthest counterclockwise from the second mark, line that one up top. mark 2 will be in its position as long as the first one is, and to check if on compression stroke you are correct, just hold a finger over the number 1 spark plug hole, that will tell you if you are on compression stroke and the piston is moving up, and then line up the distributor pointer with the "6" That is stamped on a little notch inside the distributor body.

make sure the distributor is pointing at that mark after it is FULLY Seated, and engaged on the oil pump driveshaft. then button the ship up, put your plugs and wires back, if you need to know the cylinder order is 2/4/6 front to back passenger side and 1/3/5 front to back drivers side. and there are stamping on the cap to match up to.

Do an Oil change before running the engine as you mentioned you were doing the LIM gaskets.should take 4qt's 5W30 if a 4WD and i think like 5-6 if a 2WD.

 

I stand corrected!