Distributor re-install / Timing - 2.7L 3rz

I have a few threads currently, but thought this may be easier so any of you timing experts don't have to read through all my jibberish with my new cylinder head install. So far it's gone fairly well. I've not reached this step yet.....but I already know I'll need some advice / help when I get there.

I know I'm at TDC on Cyl #1. Timing mark on balancer is a zero.....and the dots are aligned on my camshafts.

My question is......When I pulled the distributor, I didn't look at the rotor or even remove the cap. I just took out the bracket bolts and yanked the whole thing and put it with all the other parts I was removing. I also realize I forgot to mark the wires for each cylinder on the distributor end. Ugh. I did mark them on the other end where the spark plug boots are.

I realize I should have probably removed the dist cap, marked the rotor location and clearly labeled all the wires and cylinder locations on the distributor itself. I'm not sure if the gear / rotor has moved at all.....but I think it's at least a possibility while moving parts around over the last month. I'd like to make sure I get it back together correctly. I do have a timing light.

Suggestions?? I can get some pics tonight of the distributor if that would help.

 

Line the timing Mark up on Top dead center you can use a rod to tell when the piston is at the top of the stroke. Which you have already done!!

Having the Cam marks lined up as well you should be spot on.

The rotor should point to Number one on the cap #1 is the wire that faces towards the fire wall . Firing order is 1342 counter clockwise Cylinders are 1234 front to rear.

If things are correct it should start right up.

Good Luck!

 

I have a stupid question for you....

.....you do have the exhaust cam spring loaded gear correctly preloaded and that bolt is holding it in place??

or does that even apply to a distributor model year....


(112) Autotyme 2003 Tacoma 2.7 scissor gear installed correct alignment marks - YouTube

 

Following up - thanks for the responses. O silver - yes, I installed the "service bolt" as I put the camshafts in. As far as everything I've read.....I'm good up to this point. Engine is at TDC, the dots on the camshafts match up.....timing mark on the balancer is at 0 degrees. Valve cover is on......I hooked up PCV and vacuum hoses tonight. So I'm down to the distributor and air filter housing. Not too many parts left in my garage.....thankfully. I plan to give it a thorough look through before I fill it with fluids and turn the key......checking for any loose bolts, wires, etc.

I've included a couple pics below of my distributor; I'm not sure if it's factory or not. I did mark the top side before I removed it (indicated by the blue tape) - but I'm still uncertain as to how to re-install and not mess something up. The last pic (below) is from the Haynes manual. Bivouac - It describes exactly what you mentioned - a distributor post "closest to the firewall" as cyl #1. As you can see from the pics.....my distributor is "square" in relation to the firewall -......two posts are close to the firewall.....and the other two are closest to the radiator. I understand the the firing order......but does it matter which post on the distributor I "decide" is #1?? As long as it fires in the correct 1,3,4,2 order?

Thanks for the help - I feel like I'm getting close.......hopefully. It's been a few hours turning wrenches......ready to hear this thing run again.

 

Dunno if this helps but here is the correct mounting and plug wire order. Top front is #1, bottom front #2, top back #3, bottom back #4. When I had mine off to replace the o-ring for an oil leak I marked everything including the rotary button position, at TDC. Sorry but I don't recall what position it was.

 

Yes, super helpful. Thank you! I got it back together last night.....