Setting the distributor to TDC on no.1--Please help (again!!!)

[MarkEmark]

I'm really starting to hate this Chilton's car-service manual. They combine the 240sx/altima in their explanations of things, except for the fact that they both have drastically different bodies, suspension, and the little fact that the altima's engine is mounted transversely vs. the 240's longitudinal coordination.

Anyway, I can't figure out the stupid books picture showing how to position the rotor to the no.1 cylinder. The figure says "when the dot on the distributor tang and the slit on the collar are aligned, the rotor is positioned at the no.1 cylinder terminal inside of the distributor."

I found dots, but I found many of them...I don't know which one they mean. I have no idea what a "tang" is, nor do I know what the "color" is, and I don't know what "slit" they're talking about. Damn!

(this is the pic from the book)

http://www.eniety.com/pichost/pic/121-2200_IMG.JPG

The next figure in the book says "after positioning the engine at TDC on the no.1 cylinder (which is where the engine is at right now), align the distributor gear to the marks on the distributor as illustrated. Then install the distributor. However, don't the rotor and the distributor gear both spin together? They do for my distributor! So if they do, can't I just align the gear and call it a day and install it?

Did I not disassemble this thing enough? Because it doesn't resemble their pictures at all.

Here's what it looks like...

http://www.eniety.com/pichost/pic/121-2199_IMG.JPG

and...

http://www.eniety.com/pichost/pic/121-2193_IMG.JPG

Is it not disassembled enough? It doesnt seem like I can't disassemble it any more.

Here's the distributor gear lined up to the slit in the distributor shaft, as illustrated by the book.

http://www.eniety.com/pichost/pic/121-2197_IMG.JPG

If the book says to make the distributor gear look like it does above when the engine is at TDC on the no.1 cylinder, then can I just set it like this and install it? I don't see why they have an alignment mark for the "rotor" and the distributor gear if they both spin together on the same shaft?!?

I keep confusing myself an unbelievable amount.

Basically what I'm asking is-HOW DO I ALIGN THE DISTRIBUTOR to the correct position to install it if the engine is at TDC on the no.1 cylinder? Should I align it like this pic

http://www.eniety.com/pichost/pic/121-2197_IMG.JPG

And assume that's enough? Because I can't find any alignment marks on the distributor rotor and the housing...

I promise this is the last set of questions (it better damn well be!)

Please respond asap--no one responded to my last post asking if all the links are lined up then it's alright...

ThanksMarc

[EvaUnit-13]

ok I am a complete idiot and a newbee to top it off but i just finished swapping in a de to my89. I have the lame *** chiltons guide or what ever it is but the way thats easiest and worked for me was this; take ouit #1 spark plug get a long screwdriver make sure its clean stick it down the spark plug hole and rest it on your piston turn your crank by hand till the scerwdriver gets pushed out as far as it can. You are now at tdc on compression. take your cap off your distributer and trn your rotor an1/8th or a 1/16th of a turn befor it would theoretically be at the #1 plug on your cap. Now when you put in the distributer it will turnan 1/8th or a1/16th of a turnc lokwise and should line up with your #1 spark plug on your cap if it doesnt take in to account that when inserted the rotor turns and just get the thing to line up with your #1 spark plug. I think that should get it but like I said I am an idiot.. also chek out the faq on 240sx.org I think it is if I am way off some one save this guy....

[MarkEmark]

I think the book KIND OF further explained what I needed to do--upon reading it closer, that is.

I lined up the distributor gear with the slot in the distributor shaft (they call it a housing). The book said once it's lined up, just put 'er in. I noticed that before the distributor was completely in, the rotor was pointing a little below where it should be for the no.1 spark--but once fully in, since the rotor/gear turn a bit clockwise, it seemed much more aligned to where it should be for the no.1 spark. Ergo, I'm fairly positive the book took into account the fact that the distributor gear WILL TURN upon connecting to the idler socket. Everything's back together right now.

I'll start it tomorrow morning. Man I hope this thing runs as planned...everyone wish me luck! I've never really focked around with the timing chain/distributor/cam sprockets at once

[Structure240sx]

u have the distributor lined up correctely int hose pics. that shaft pin goes through the shaft but u use the side with the timing mark in the shaft, as u have it, to line up with the mark (slit) on the silver housing. u have it right. put the cap back on the distributor right and make sure its clean since it has been off, jsut wipe any dust out of it. now when putting it int he head it will turn if u shove it in. what i do is jsut ease it in until i find a spot that it will slide most of the way in. there will be about a 1/4" or less that u will have to force it the rest of the way in. now this should work for u if not keep tryin. then make sure u set ur timing with a timing light.

[MarkEmark]

thanks...i installed it last night no problem, started right up this morning. I guess i did something right!

[Structure240sx]

good job