Timing chain install question
 

Probably a dumb question.

When the timing chain gears are lined up, dot to dot, is the engine at TDC of the compression stroke?

Yes. Thats when you want to fire the compressed gas. Usually just after, 36* in my case.

Both dots up for TDC compression.

Dots together Is TDC overlap.

The difference between the two is one revolution of the crank. So you can install the gears either way. As long as you know where things are when you go to put the distributor in.

Clay

I'm swapping my timing chain and my rotor is pointing 180 from No. 1 with the dots lined up.

It confused me because I expected the rotor to be pointed at No. 1.

Thanks!

Dot to dot that's where the rotor button is suppose to be pointed. That would be TDC compression for #6 (with standard firing order). And FWIW you can set ignition timing off of #6 same as #1.

You're doing good
Clay

Reviving old thread here. I'm changing cams this weekend (among other things) and the dots are both on top of the gears. Number one piston is at TDC. I'm gonna set it up the same way with new cam. When I drop the dizzy in I'm gonna advance to 12* and drop it in. It will be pointing to number one....correct?

No, rotate with old cam until the dot on the top gear is at the bottom. The dot on the bottom gear is at the top, lining up the dots on the gears. With the piston on the top, rotor pointing at #1.