Timing newb... need some re-assurance!

[2500avalanche]

So, I first want to thank a few people who have assisted me recently. I know this board is almost dead, but there are a few of us old timers still around!
I am a visual learner, and need some understanding and steps for setting timing and TDC as I had to take my distributor out. So, I found a video of a guy setting tDC and timing on a normal 4.3.
So, do I have these steps correct?
1. Set TDC by turning altinator so that the marking on the harmonic balancer marking lines with the lowest tooth on the Identifier (part that is on the block). Can put finger in the 1st plug hole until you feel pressure. This is TDC , correct?
2. Unhook the tan wire in cab.
3 Turn the distributor so that the top of rotor is aligned with the 1st spark plug wire location on distribtor
4. Turn over ignition so that car runs
5. Use the timing light while turning distributor so that the lines align on the harmonic balancer while turning the distributor a little
6. lock distributor, and plug the tan wire back in


So, is this correct? Please any help or assistance would be great as I am a little confused!
Thank yoU!

 

[wildphil]

I don't think trying to rotate the engine by turning the alternator is reliable. The belt will most likely just slip and not not rotate the engine. I always have to turn from the bolt at the harmonic balancer.

If the distributor has been out of the engine. When you install it after you have put your timing mark on the balancer to the 0 on the timing tab. And it is on the compression stroke as you described. Another thing you will need to do is get the shaft that turns your oil pump to mate up with the distributor properly. I have used a long flat blade screw driver down the distributor hole and turned the shaft until it mates with the distributor when it is pointing at #1 cylinder.

The rest of your steps look pretty good.

 

[2500avalanche]

Thank you. I have it figured out. A few old'timers helped me out and I got it running correctly!

 

[Sy644]

Here forum is alive and strong than SyTyregistery forum. It’s fact.
So no worry! Enjoy your Ty!

 

[wildphil]

That is great. A lot of this work is not very complicated. But if you have never gone it before then you need a bit of help so you can learn what you need to know. If a person gets somebody that knows what they are doing and is willing to give them a bit of instructions. They could end up being an old pro themselves.

 

[2500avalanche]

Went for a ride tonight, and re programmed my tune, and no worries! It took me about 20 hours total time over 3 days to take entire top end off, replace the lower intake, and put everything back. The timing is the thing I was worried about. As the community gets a little smaller year after year, it is great that we can rely on each other

 

[2500avalanche]

Here are some pics of the progress
2 cracks near sensorall buttoned up. I had to adjust the distributor notice the wrench, and move the hoses for intercooler and hook up the air intake

 

[Slyclone]

Nice atr cooler

 

[2500avalanche]

Yes, that with a upgraded lower I am seeing temps around 20 degrees above ambient when cruising. (I think max was 112 -120). Normally they hover around 100, but cant get lower