Distributor Install Procedure 4.3 V6

[wmako]

Can anyone help me with the procedure for installing a new distributor in a 2002 4.3L V6? I understand the basic mechanics, it is more the timing I am worried about. From my searching, it seems the distributor can not be turned (to adjust the timing), so there is really only one way to install it, but I am also reading where there may be more than on timing mark on the balancer, and also that maybe the rotor does not point exactly to #1 spark plug at TDC. If anyone knows anything more about this, any help is appreciated.

[wmako]

Ok, so I tried to install the distributor last night. I found that there are two markings on the balancer, about 45 degrees apart.

 

Which one do i use?

 

Also, I don't see anything obvious to line them up with. Do I line the mark up with the crankshaft position sensor?

 

Please, please, someone must know the answer to this!

[Willslimo]

OK here are the procedures

disconnect the NEGATIVE battery terminal

remove #1 plug (left bank front most cylinder)

manually rotate the crankshaft using a socket and ratchet or breaker bar (clockwise when viewed from the front of the vehicle) until the #1 piston is near TOP DEAD CENTER, to determine this, place either a compression gauge in the number 1 plug hole or place your thumb over the plug hole.

When the #1 piston moves upward on the compression stroke you will see a pressure reading on the gauge or feel pressure under your thumb.

Continue to rotate the cranfshat until the pressure stops increasing.

STOP, look at your harmonic balancer, one of the scored marks (timing marks) will be nearly aligned with a pointer attached to the front timing gear case on the engine (about the 2 oclock position when viewed from the front of the vehicle)

Rotate the crank either slightly clockwise or counter clockwise and align the 2 marks as exact as possible.

Now, take your distributor with the rotor attached and pointing between the number 1 and 6 cylinder tension tower, with the distributor housing positioned to align the hold down bracket insert the distributor into the engine while slightly turning the rotor and housing back and forth. When the gear messes with the cam gear the rotor will rotate slightly towards number 1 cylinder tower and should point at a number 6 stamped on the lip of the distributor housing . Make sure the distributor is all the way down flush with the intake manifold. If not, while you hold the distributor down by hand, have someone else slowly rotate the cranshaft clockwise until the distributor drops down flush. This indicates the drive gear has meshed on the bottom with the oil pump shaft underneath.Install the hold down bolt and secure the distributor. This places the distributor in the number 1 firing position in relation to the cylinder firing positionUnlike older cars, the balancer marks are not graduated with degree markings/TDC/BTDC or ATDC. The computer establishes firing advance based upon sensor inputs and no mechanical timing adjustment is ever required.

Ok, so I tried to install the distributor last night. I found that there are two markings on the balancer, about 45 degrees apart.

 

Which one do i use?

 

Also, I don't see anything obvious to line them up with. Do I line the mark up with the crankshaft position sensor?

 

Please, please, someone must know the answer to this!

[BadAssRX-7]

after 3 days of screwing with a 96 jimmy 4.3 i have the timming down right. what u need to do after you get tdc on the comp. stroke ... the 1st timing mark will be almost ligned up with the timing cover.... well keep turning the crank untill the 2nd mark is lined up with the mark on the top of the timing cover. then if u get under the motor u will see the 1st mark is lined up with a line on the timing cover. now open up the distruter and line up the rotorbutton with the little "6" marker inside the dizzy. you need to step it back a little so when u lowwer the dizzy into its spot the mark and rotor line up. bolt it all down and bam your in time