First off, the distributor is gear driven and doesn't care which way it
faces. My own preference is wherever I can get the best access with the
allen wrench that sets the points. The exact setting is determined by
proper firing of the #1 cylinder on the compression stroke, this can be
any contact point on the distributor cap that the rotor can reach.
Here's an old trick, how to find TDC on compression, easy, wad up a
little bit of paper and stick it in the #1 spark plug hole, crank the
engine around, gently, when the paper blows out that's your at TDC #1
setting. Set the distributor so that the rotor will be near any contact
on the cap, that's your #1 plug wire spot. Make sure you know the rotor
direction and plug in the wires per the book. Now, you can use a timing
light to set it so many degrees BTDC but a better way is by "feel."
Leave the distributor clamp so that it's loose enough so that you can
turn it but not so loose that it can move on it's own. Put everything
in place and start your engine, if you're anywhere near close it should
start. Turn the distributor into the rotation of the rotor (advance)
until it pings under load then back it off until it just stops the
pinging and you have the perfect setting. Better than the timing light.
I don't tighten the clamp until I've driven the car for a few days to
see how it acts under all conditions, adjusting as required, then I
tighten the clamp.
Make sure your vacuum advance is working, if you don't know how to check
this, ask me.
Les
Les
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