TDC vs Distributor

[OlBlue]

Hi I have started to change the T-belt on a 3.3L the vehicle was running terrible, but made it into the garage. I have the top cover off and can see the t-belt is missing teeth and pretty loose but still in one piece.

 

When I turn the crank, the dist is nowhere near pointing in the direction of the #1 plug, when the timing marks on the crank are near the indicator.

I have a piece of wire in the #1 cylinder and can see the #1 piston is at the top, when the crank rotates to align with the timing marks but the FSM says dist should point at #1.

 

Silly question but should I just continue to rotate the crank until the dist/crank line up? Or, is there something I am missing?

[Kingman]

TDC on the compression stroke. If the rotor is pointing in the opposite direction, its on TDC of the exhaust stroke.

 

When the piston is coming up on a compression stroke, you'll hear air hissing out of the plug hole as both valves will be closed.

Edited February 2, 2014 by Kingman

[OlBlue]

Thanks very much, shouldn't the marks on the crank line up, while the piston is at the top, AND the dist is pointed at #1?

[Kingman]

The timing marks on the crank pulley? They line up with the pointer every time No. 1 comes to TDC whether its on compression or exhaust. Make sure you are aligning the furthest LEFT timing mark with the pointer.

Edited February 2, 2014 by Kingman