timing question

[demps101]

just put a new timing set distributer and full tune up on my 98 5.7. Timing marks are lined up and rotor points directly at cyl 1 on the cap. I couldnt get it to start. it was acting like it was out time. i quadruple checked everything. still couldnt figure it out. Knowing it was set exactly how its supposed to be but acting like it was 180degrees out. I went ahead and turned the distributer 180. Crazy enough she fired right up and purred like a kitten. Can somebody explain this? I talked to some other mechanics and said they had run into the same thing before. NObody had a reason tho. Any answers would be great. This is nagging at me and i just need to know the why

 

[L31MaxExpress]

Crankshaft turns 2x for every turn of the camshaft and thus distributor. Timing marks on the balancer could align to TDC #1 or in your case TDC #6. Common mistake for novice engine builders too. They line the chain up dot to dot and drop the distributor in on #1 then proceed to make fireballs. Dots on the timing set line up, TDC#6, both at the top TDC#1.

 

[demps101]

Whats the best way to avoid this?

 

[k1500 97]

Sounds like your top dead center on the exhaust stroke. I'm no expert mo

 

[demps101]

I've got to do this on another engine I've got this week. Its a used motor i'm dropping into another truck of mine. I dont want to make the same mistake again. This motor is sitting on my shop floor and I'd like to have all this done before I go and put it in.

 

[k1500 97]

I've got to do this on another engine I've got this week. Its a used motor i'm dropping into another truck of mine. I dont want to make the same mistake again. This motor is sitting on my shop floor and I'd like to have all this done before I go and put it in.

Gotcha I was just throwing in my 2 cents. Good luck!!!

 

[k1500 97]

Sounds like l31maxexpress. Has the knowledge hopefully he can help you.

 

[demps101]

Gotcha I was just throwing in my 2 cents. Good luck!!!

Thanks. I'm always glad to get any help man.

 

[k1500 97]

Thanks. I'm always glad to get any help man.

Same.

 

[L31MaxExpress]

I've got to do this on another engine I've got this week. Its a used motor i'm dropping into another truck of mine. I dont want to make the same mistake again. This motor is sitting on my shop floor and I'd like to have all this done before I go and put it in.

Pull a valve cover and look at the rocker arms.