I just rebuilt a gm block for my boat... its an inline 250 straight 6.. ?

Question

how do i place the the distributor.. do i point the rotor buttin towards #1 cylinder or towards the back of the block i have heard 3 diffrent ways.. i know to have the #1 top dead center and bolth dots lined p on the timing gears but now how about the distributor

Answer 1

drop in the distributer set #1 cylender at top dead centre and whatever position on the cap the rotor is pointing at is #1 and just follow your order from there

you wil have to turn it a bit to get it rite on but you will be verry close

Answer 2

Traditionally, when #1 piston is at tdc, the rotor should be facing front, but it really doesn' matter.  To do initial timing, rotate the distributor housing until #1 contact on the cap is lined up with the rotor contact, then r****d by about 5-7 degrees.  This should allow the engine to start and warm up, then use a timing light set the timing to the specified point.