Chevy 4.3 V6... How to Set Distributor timing. ~Its Just how I did it~.

[@fleamine]

Advise to anyone going through this..... I replaced the whole distributor unit including the cap and rotor(all new). 1 month later, the vehicle died. I figured the timing chain went and replaced it, but the real issue was the cap. Although it looked new and had no damage, it was defective. I put a used cap on and it started right up.

[@tyfann8395]

This video is why i was able to bring my truck back from the dead. (Had to replace my gasket for the intake manifold and forgot to mark the distributor). Got it to top dead center 3 times but was dropping the distributor on the first cylinder from what my father and my girlfriend's father had told me. Obviously it wouldn't fire because it was off damn near 180*. Watched your video, re-centered it, dropped it in, and bam. Functioning vehicle. Thank you so much!

[@chicochico636]

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[@chicochico636]

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[@Showmethefish]

You can turn engine over by pulling the starter relay there under the hood and use a jumper wire from battery to #87 pin hole of the relay plug in.. It'll spin the engine over

[@oliverrojas3185]

Hands down, among the best engine maintenance repair videos. Precision instructions and camera work, bonus tips on which tools to use and how to use them. Critically useful high speed efficiency tip about maintaining proper engine timing.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!!

[@Soetafay-i8e]

How does the timing chain gearsgo the Dotson the gears go​@@FixingWithPassion

[@GarrisonChristianson-ww9hw]

Just so you know when you guys are making these videos you should specify what year you're working on cuz I can tell you from 2002 and up your distributor sets different your order buttons should be pointed before the 6th quite a bit before the 6th not right on the 6th cuz on the newer ones if you said it before the 6th it'll fire up and run if you set it on the 6th it will not run

[@FixingWithPassion]

Cool!

[@Ryan-br3hq]

You just saved my ass, much appreciated video. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Very informative and to-the-point, no useless music or bs. Thank you very much

[@GoSuns2024]

Thanks a Heap! Thought I was screwed when I accidentally pulled my distributor without marking it. Followed your instructions precisely, reassembled it and it fired right up! Great video.

[@Mik3yLow]

If you take the rubber cover out of the drivers side wheel well you can avoid taking everything apart under the engine and you're able to get straight at the #1 plug

[@FixingWithPassion]

Great advice!~

[@tetrahydrocanibonol]

On my s10 I can just reach down and get it but that 10mm bolt is a hassle and a half

[@derrickzenner9300]

Another 4.3 saved here. I did intake gaskets and it would start hard but run good for about 2 weeks then it wouldn't start anymore. I followed your procedure and found that the oil pump slot was a tooth off. Starts really well now. Thanks a bunch.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!!!

[@robbt1975]

How was it acting before you moved oil pump slot? Crank but no start? Back firing? Lmk thanks

[@markschmalenberger8301]

The rotors on those 4.3s retard in phase to the timing as the timing chain wears. The distributors are not adjustable unless you modify the hold down clamp. The timing chains don't skip teeth, they just wear until they break.

[@derrickzenner9300]

@@markschmalenberger8301 mine was off because i put it back in wrong but it ran for a couple of weeks then it wouldn't start anymore

[@derrickzenner9300]

@@robbt1975 yes crank backfire tried to go but not quite

[@carloscorchado9493]

thank you my friend ... my name is Carlos and I am from Puerto Rico your video was very helpful to me especially the first part! hope too see another video of yours!

[@williejamerson9497]

I've asked for help in lost timing in a 1988 chevy s10.3.8lv6.im getting everything but help on my truck engine. can i please get a video on the 2.8l

[@williejamerson9497]

Public i need your help on where do my number one on the cap.it self

[@briant3403]

you figured out how to get on computer goggle your engine and year model, for info on how to check timing, any library also has books with big photos to show you how to line up the rotor towards the cly, and each plug wire on cap

[@alextherobloxian]

100'000"000'

[@HoUsEoFcAtS78]

Another way to tell is if the rotor points slightly clockwise from the 6, but at TDC, it is in the exhaust stroke. If it's on the compression stroke, it will point dead on the 6 at TDC. Saves some time without using a compression tester or taking off the valve cover.

[@FixingWithPassion]

True, Thanks!

[@HoUsEoFcAtS78]

TVWXMAN32 I am still learning with this motor. Its videos like yours that have helped me put some of the puzzle pieces together. My Blazer was out of commission for about 8 months. Not because of this. But basically because I haven't really had very much time to work on it. I had to change the intake manifold gasket which wasn't really too bad. But the distributor had me baffled for a while because the old one didn't have any way of telling where it was sitting as someone ground off the "6" tab before I bought the truck. So I replaced the distributor. Now it just needs plugs, oil change, coolant flush, new battery. It should run like a champ once that stuff is done. You have no idea how pumped I am to be driving my baby again. Thank you again for your help. You rock!

[@FixingWithPassion]

Hopefully you live were it snow....these things go great in the snow!

[@HoUsEoFcAtS78]

TVWXMAN32 mine is only rwd. But it is still great in the snow. A nice set of Goodyear Wranglers makes driving in snow a breeze.

[@FixingWithPassion]

O yea! So true.

[@rockerojuan]

Okay am going to try this, i replaced the intake gaskets and ever since i have had issues with my timing, three different distributors and no go, i also replaced the timing (pain in the rear), cover, mounts plugs and wires. I've been following other videos where they tell you to set the timing marks on zero and piston 1 should be dead top, but today i used my endoscope and noticed that the marks do not align with cylinder one on top. I'll try this tomorrow and post on my findings.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!!

[@rockerojuan]

​@@FixingWithPassionOkay, as predicted, the harmonic balancer has the timing marks off. My fault because the first time I removed it, I accidently attached the tool on the outer ring and it slipped out of the rest of the balancer. I was able to put them back together without realizing I moved the marks off the factory place. Anyways, I set piston one TDC and installed the distributor, but the engine hesitated to run. After turning the crank another rotation, and reseated the distributor everything aligned on perfectly and then ta-da! My engine is running good now, no misfire or check engine for misfire or correlation codes. Just my tip for those who have been struggling with this, physically check your piston and don't rely on the balancer, it could be bad because some Chevy inexperienced dork like me could had messed it up lol. Thank you so much for your clip, the other videos were correct, but your explanation took me a step further and am grateful for it 🎉😊

[@f1948s]

We tried the screw driver into the #1 spark plug to determine top dead center but that did not work. It seemed like the piston was binding the screwdriver instead of pushing it out. My son ended up putting a balloon onto a rubber tubing fitting and once screwed into the #1 S.P. hole we just turned over the crank shaft until the balloon filled with air and the mark on the harmonic balancer lined up with the mark on the engine to let us know we should be at top dead center as if using a timing lite on the unit. Not sure why the screw driver trick did not work out on the 2003 4.3L chevy S-10.

[@charlamiller3900]

your video absolutely saved the day, our truck, my sanity and most importantly, my boyfriends' sanity and his job!! (needs our vehicle repaired to drive it to get to the job site) WONDERFULLY informative, insightful, and understandable. THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge. Love, love, love the internet, youtube and folks like you!!

[@FixingWithPassion]

Thanks!

[@MrSamBowers]

When you pull the distributor out. At the very bottom on the distributor shaft there is a screwdriver type slot that drives the oil pump. The oil pump has a big slotted screw that the distributor shaft slides on to. To get the distributor timing and gear teeth to line up to the number one position you take a long screwdriver and put it in the hole where the distributor shaft goes. And rotate that slotted screw at the bottom a little bit clockwise with the screwdriver to get the teeth on the distributor shaft to line up to the number position. This is gonna be trial and error. You turn the screw clockwish that drives the oil pump a litte bit. Then you put your distributor shaft back in and see if the rotor cap lines up to the number one position. That slot that is at the botton of the distributor hole drives the oil pump. When you take the distributor out. Take a flashlight and look into the hole. You should be able to see the slot. You just keep rotating that slot clockwise and installing your distributor until it all lines up. It may take a little while but it will all eventually line. I hope I made myself clear. Just take the distributor shaft out and look at the very bottom. You will see what looks like the tip of a screwdriver. That tip fits into a slot/screw that drives the oil pump. That slot can be totated.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Your right...A lot of people use this method. Thanks for the reminder!~!

[@ronmitchell8929]

Yep that messes alot of people up and is good info. Another way I like is I'll rotate the rotor until it drops. Then turn your crank until the button is at the 6. Pull the distributor. Return crank to TDC and the oil pump will be aligned for the #6 drop.

[@leobardogaribay1764]

Thank you for this tip! I have a video scope that connects to my scanner, my distributor is out and I was having trouble installing it since it wouldn’t sit in all the way. I will insert my video scope and adjust the slot to match the distributor gear with the oil pump slot.

[@altimategamer12]

Or put it in pointing to #1 and bumb the key never failed me once

[@joewarts8283]

@@altimategamer12 I'm catching hell getting mine to line up with number 6 . I tried using screw driver method. Number one is top dead center. I keep ending up a little before the 6 Mark or a little past.

[@jeffreyevens2033]

Thank you for the informative video. Followed your simple steps, got things back together and bam she started making noise. Strange setup that vortec.

[@aliasfred]

I had a MASSIVE oil leak after I put a new distributor in. After many attempts and part replacements (oil pressure sending sensor, another "new distributor" and losing 5 quarts of fresh oil in 10 miles of driving, my 2003 S-10 with 4.3 engine almost fried itself. Thank God I save all parts I replace with new. I was surfing you tube and found a video from way back in 2000 of a guy that was having the same issues as I was. He found out that his new distributor came without either a "new" O ring or a "gasket" He checked his old distributor, and sure enough there was a gasket on his, he took his new distributor out again and there was no gasket there. The instructions that comes with the new distributor does NOT warn you to look for one (even new factory distributors). When I found that out, I put a small amount of black RTV on both sides of that gasket and bolted the distributor back in. EUREKA! No more Juan Valdeez (sp?)! Note: be very careful with that old gasket, they thinner that a silk sheet, and will tear while transferring from the old distributor to the new one.

[@DavidLinn-w9n]

awesome video!! thanks helped alot. also mention that the distributors wear out. up and down play and the gear on dist. worn out. replaced dist. cap and rotor truck runs great!!

[@AFellowDoktuh]

Getting ready to do a tear down of my 2004 S-10 4 door ZR5 with 4wd. Hasn't been started in over a year, lived out in the desert for about a year in a half, and the truck sat the entire time through freezing temps during the winter, and sand storms during the summer and harvest seasons. I'm almost afraid to see what it looks like. I might just chop it up and tube frame the truck, Convert it to 2wd and make it a prerunner with I-beam suspension.

[@jimmysapien9961]

I hope the block and cracked from freezing weather

[@AFellowDoktuh]

@@jimmysapien9961 lmfao, okay little kid.

[@traviscarr6536]

I found that you can tear off a paper shop towel and stick it in the hole just a bit where the spark plug for the #1 cylinder goes. When it blows the piece of paper out then you know you’re on the compression stroke.

[@FixingWithPassion]

True! Thanks for the tip.

[@traviscarr6536]

Nathan Rohrbough Thank you for the video, info..

[@roadstar499]

sounds great..but,how the heck can you see that? so cramped in engine area

[@traviscarr6536]

When I see the paper blow out across the steering column I know it’s on the upstroke.

[@tjerj1]

Good tip

[@Gregasaki]

You are helping the world. 1000 thank yous.

[@galenyoung8349]

It will work that way. However, come to my, surprise, I did a complete engine rebuild on my 4.3, Blazer. The book says to take out the #4 spark plug & it's basically the same process as indicates In this, video. You can get to the spark plug(s), easier, if you lift the body weight off of the front wheels & CAPITALIZED on the gap between the tire(s) & the fender(s.) It's much much easier to get to those spark plugs through the fender well(s.) Also, there are 2 timing marks on the harmonic balancer. Line them BOTH up on TDC, COMPRESSION STROKE? Like he showed you in this video... Going through the top is plagued with TIGHT NONSENSE. There's no excuse for putting any metal object into the cylinders on these. They are kind of idgit proof, set aside from diagnosis of engine, misfire. (Unless you have a diagnostics, "SCOPE?") These distributor caps are too, sensitive, IMHO. Also, there's a cut out on the plate that the rotor button MOUNTS TO. Turn your engine with the ratchet VIA the belt/bolt on the, alternator (clockwise/lefty loosie, righty tighty/you don't wanna crack that 🥜 loose on the alternator, pulley.) Okay, turn the engine until the CUT OUT on the plate under the rotor button is OPEN above your cam/hall effect, sensor. You can see BOTH screws and access is, easy, with the distributor still mounted TIGHT to the, intake. *Basically* You don't have to pull the distributor and take off the gear so you can get that rotor button bracket out of your way, you can swap that cam sensor right in the, vehicle. That 💩 was made this way from the, factory. I see men doing 💩 on these things the HARD WAY? I was once one of those men. You can swap the spark plugs in less than 30mins, my way. The middle cylinder, #3/Driver side, is a biatch. I had to have a friend turn my 5/8 plug socket with a 3/4" inch wrench from the, top, while I held the socket onto the shoulders of the spark plug from the wheel well. When you put new motor mounts in the TOLERANCES become LESS than they already, we're. Prior to putting everything new in & on my engine I could change ALL of my spark plugs, alone. Thank you for your time if ur still wimme. No disrespect, intended. I only intend(ed) to be, helpful. In all reality if you intend to work on your Blazer ALOT, ALOT? Some fellaz are saying to put in like a 3" body, LIFT. I can testify that getting to the bolts in the back/firewall side of the head(s) is amongst the most challenging bolts to get to. I had to get the bolts in/out of the back of the heads at like 1/4 turn per, swipe./it eats the open end of the wrench when it gets to the, firewall/do not use a ratchet wrench(thank me, later.) To separate the motor/transmission in the vehicle you either have to knock a dent in the floor on the driver side to get that one P.I.A. bolt out. Take the body bolts out in the front & loosen the ones/body bolts in the back & raise the body, or they sell a template with rubber plugs to drill holes(s) in the, floor. I just beat mine 1/2 of a day with a piece of wood & a 5lb sledge. I beat it some more once I got my engine out but it was still challenging to get everything all back, together. I've got 11,500ish miles since I rebuilt my engine & I'm here coz mine is misfiring with everything NEW except a few, sensors. I already gutted my, converters. I did the MPFI swap & new fuel pump, as well. (too many new parts to, list.) Mine stumbles worse before it warms up, then primarily under load/climbing a hill, and if/when you put your foot in it. I had to replace the 4wd vacuum actuator on the transfer case coz it leaked trans fluid into my 4WD diaphragm/actuator that's located under the, battery. I changed the diaphragm & the parts store sold me a brand new bad vacuum switch that leaked trans fluid into my 4WD diaphragm, "again." I "think/thought" it's, fixed, on the vacuum/4wd, part? I'm not, certain. Like I say.... Diagnosis on these IMHO is sketchy.

[@FixingWithPassion]

These things are still going today!!

[@jimmysapien9961]

Yep I just Changed My Spark plugs Recently- Much easier Take the driver side tire off and go above the A-frame middle spark plug is mighty hard but I did it or you can take the steering shaft loose that’s another way to do it passenger side I took all spark plugs off through the top

[@aliasfred]

@@jimmysapien9961 Snap-Off sells an offset socket in 3/8's drive just for #1 spark plug. You don't have to remove anything except your left front tire and your spark plug wire. Back in 2016, that socket cost me $37.00. Well worth it.

[@RyouConcord]

Thank you so much for this video! It helped me change my distributor cap and rotor. After changing it, it started right up!

[@mzaragoza03]

Great video.. There's almost no excuse for a DIY job with the availability of videos and information nowadays right in front of you... However, having the proper tools obviously helps...

[@scottymizzo415]

the new cap and rotor worked yeah it was a short in the cap or rotor put the new one on and it fired up no joke thanks for the video especially hen you turned over your truck and it made the popping noise.

[@jojograffsgnino276]

Die electric grease on the glass part of spark plug should prevent the rubber socket insert from sticking to your socket! It's good to use dielectric grease on all electrical connectors, spark plug and distributor parts. connectors

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yea works.

[@phillipmaybrey7457]

Thanks bro great video you helped me out a ton. I thought I was doing right the whole time dropping it to number one I’m gonna try this tomorrow

[@fleamine]

This video was priceless when trying to retime my blazer. And it worked! THx)

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!!

[@kathygalvin4325]

You just saved my daughter's car from going to the junk yard! Cause I was frustrated!

[@dinasabecky3450]

Thank you such a help got ran crazy watching other videos appreciate it I'll be back for sure thanks again

[@rossdickens]

Piece of gas hose on the end of the plug, prevents cross thread. 😁

[@marvintodd2829]

liked your video, but you stated the #1 plug was driver side front, but close up shot of the cap shows center plug driver side to be #1, i'm going to replace my 1998 4.3 distributor and would really appreciate if you could give me some feedback on the correct firing order. thanx again for all the great info that you share with everyone

[@troyfielden2332]

Number one cylinder on the engine is front cylinder on the driver's side. On the 4.3, the number one plug wire will go to the center outlet (on the driver's side) of the distributor cap. Number 3 cylinder goes to the front outlet, number 5 to the back outlet. The passenger side is easy because they are in order, front cylinder (#2), front outlet, middle cylinder (#4), middle outlet, rear cylinder (#6), rear outlet.

[@houstonhotdog5273]

All u have to do to get to number one plug or any plugs on s10 is jack up truck put jack stands and u can get to plugs dont even have to take front wheels if u have swivel on spark plug socket but might help to take off wheels if u have big tires

[@FixingWithPassion]

K.

[@williambailey9917]

thanks bud excellent tutorial. if you still look at the comments, do you know what the white wire is that sticks out like a sore thumb between the distributor and throttle body, its connected to what appears to be a harness of some sort that connects to the block that has PED stamped on it. the end of mine is loose, i dont believe it has copper wire in it

[@giftofnile]

Excellent Video very detailed, straight to the point. Thank you

[@GiorgosC-rp5ms]

so it will run even if its on exhaust?i think thats where i set mine .i bought one non running i changed the distibutor it started idles fine but has a bad miss if driving and pops and back fires if u give has

[@derrickyochapman4308]

DID YOU EVER FIND OUT WHAT YOUR PROBLEM WAS I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM

[@Joseph-u3t2n]

I'm installing a aftermarket distributor so I can run a 4 bbl intake. I got the even fire distributor made just for this application. Anyway is there a video on how to set my distributor in so it is correct

[@billstonesmith9231]

Put a little piece of rag in the #1 spark plug hole and turn motor over slowly; as soon as rag blows out will be on #1 compression stroke (just back it back up and feel w/screwdriver)

[@crapschamp4206]

On my 97s10 4.3l I used a rubber hose and a dog toy wisle the air going through the hose blows the whistle put the hose in the number1 spark plug hole with the plug out.turn the balancer till it stops making sound that's TDC. That's the compression stroke it will only blow on that stroke.later on I bought the tool that screws in the hole making it a one man operation.

[@jamiel3504]

How long after installing this new cap did you have the same problem? These distributors are notorious for drawing moisture which in turn corrodes the cap terminals, I’ve owned my 02 blazer ZR2 4.3 for 3 years and have to replace the cap once a year faithfully. They do have updated distributors that solved that problem, I know I’ll eventually be replacing mine. Excellent video, thanks 👍

[@markschmalenberger8301]

The distributors are just fine as long as there is no axial play in the shafts movement. Being as these distributors still use a mechanical secondary switching means(cap&rotor) and a computer primary, as the timing chain wears the rotor goes out of phase retards at the terminal positions. The increased gap at firing time is the problem,especially in damp conditions. This occurs at about 150,000 miles or so on up. The solution scribe the distributor body to manifold position then move distributor slightly to the advanced direction. Of course you should maybe plan on replacing the timing chain set& turning distributor back to original factory setting.i'll bet every distributor ever replaced on these engines were perfectly OK.

[@beardedforlife3740]

@@markschmalenberger8301 that's a stretch since the teeth on the distributor gear is known to wear out and cause timing issues as well

[@tenebraygrace4099]

This took the bru-ha-ha out of the distributor change dread, you champ you......thanks.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yea total work!

[@shevyman6430]

If u jack the front up and pull the wheels the plugs are very easy to get to on the s-10

[@FixingWithPassion]

Great!!

[@michaelmayberry9087]

If you put a pice of paper towel in the spark plug hole when it gets to top dead center on the #1 compression stroke it will pop the paper towel out and you’ll know it’s on TDC

[@danielridenour8626]

thank you for taking the time to make videos like this

[@FixingWithPassion]

;)

[@isrraelpedroza7926]

buena

[@MrRican9mm1]

TVWXMAN32 awesome job with this video. Will this also turn off the check engine light once the problem is fixed?

[@siniasta99]

I love you man! . I was struggling for a good 3 hours until I found this video. Thanks a LOT

[@opossozoku8005]

Thank you, very helpful. I just did a whole gaskets replacement and new clutch. I think I set the timing on the exhaust stroke. Can't wait to get home and fix it!

[@opossozoku8005]

Meant to update sooner, this the perfect way to set timing without wrenching on the crank bolt. Works every time

[@ralphcalhoun3415]

Had the same thing happen on my 2003 s-10 the reluctor in the distributor broke and rotor was hitting the cap it ran but made a lot noise.good video.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Glad you fixed it!

[@walliehart2055]

Hold finger in #1 spark plug hole. Have helper bump ingnition till it blows finger out of hole. Then put a screw driver in hole and put socket on bolt on bottom pully and breaker bar. With one hand turn motor. With other hand use screw driver to insure piston is high as possible. Then you are on top dead center. Then place wires in synch with firing order. Otherwise you have a timing gear chain problem

[@SPINNPROOF]

I REPLACED MY DISTRIBUTOR, IT RUNS AT ABOUT 65 % IS IT POSSIBLE I INSTALLED IT WITH ONE TOOTH OFF, IVE HAD IT RUNNING TOO WHARE YOU HAD TOO NURSE IT JUST TOO KEEP IT RUNNING, ITS RUNNING , BETTER THAN THAT ? THANKS FOR YOUR VIDIO IT WAS VERY INFORMATIVE...

[@bridaddio723]

So…. With number one cylinder up, rotor should point to SIX??

[@djrudy1977]

Can u please tell me if my timing is off - 7 would that effect gas mileage? It seems to be running rich also, lots of fumes from exhaust

[@mikel.3212]

When you’re replacing the entire rotor with a new one, do you grease the bottom where the gears drop in?

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yea.

[@adamgonzalez559]

I can't get it!! Every time I line up the markings 1 marking with the bottom second marking with the top move the oil pump to get it to align with the 6 and still doesn't start it was working before I took it apart I messed up by not timing everything when I removed didn't think I was gonna have a hard time

[@bryankeeling1315]

Hey mine is doing the exact same thing this one is it will turn over and over and then it sounds like it just goes dead and then turns over and over and its like it hits a dead spot so i have put a new ac delco fuel pump on because at the fuel schrader i pushed the button in and there was barley any fuel pressure so i went ahead and changed it. So its got brand new ngk plugs , ngk wires, delphi distributor cap, ac delco rotor, ac delco coil, its got a brand new crank sensor on it. I also took my voltage meter and checked for power at the coil its good its got good spark coming out of coil, it has power at crank sensor, ignition controle module at the ecm fuse ( although when i was putting the new crank sensor clip on i had touched the frame with the hotside of the wires and it popped the ecm fuse) but i changed it as well. Man im at a lost now i dont know what else to do ive checked everything it acts like shit i dont know im tired of fucking with it. Ive had this blazer for going on 10 years and this is the 1st time its done this. I have 225689 miles on it i just had a whole front end on it i love this but i have sunk alot of money on it alot. My wife says its my money pit lol. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME FIGURE THIS OUT

[@jasonhowell5468]

I got one that sounds and acts the exact same also, but ive only got 85,000 miles on it...

[@chadgibson8324]

Thanks buddy just what I was needing to know..GOOD VIDEO

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!

[@my1after909]

Thanks, I broke the cheap replacement distributor cap, bolt off, in my 2000 Jimmy (spider replacement job), so now have to pull the distributor. Great camera work, particularly the zooming. What was the camera?

[@FixingWithPassion]

JVC

[@joshuabishop5436]

If you get a replacement distributor cap and rotor can you put the new one back in the same spot in same position

[@jamesarnold3890]

Yes , you just put rotor in same position.. you don’t need to be at TDC to replace cap and rotor

[@jeffreynobles948]

Jack up the driver side, and remove the tire. The plugs are right there staring you in the face when you do so. Makes it MUCH easier, especially when changing plugs on these vehicles with the 4.3L

[@FixingWithPassion]

Well there is some room...but it still is tight.

[@oldmgbs2]

Great video. After watching, I'm sure I can replace my noisy distributor.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!

[@MatLon28]

have a question. What do you mean "feel cylinder 1 up"? when you stuck the screwdriver in? What were you suppose or how do you feel that?

[@FixingWithPassion]

Cylinder number 1. Bring it to top dead center. You can feel when the piston comes all the way to the top with a screwdriver. Hope that helps.

[@MatLon28]

TVWXMAN32 thanks for the reply. Do you leave the screwdriver in cylinder 1 while turning the alternator?

[@FixingWithPassion]

That's what I did. Although the belt might have a tendency to slip . The crank pulley would be better but it hard to get to ;(

[@MatLon28]

Okay. Will give it it a try tomorrow. I changed the fuel pressure regulator today. Had to remove the distributor to gain access and think i reinstalled it back wrong messing up the timing. Engine wouldnt start and can hear weird sound while crank. Thanks for the video!

[@FixingWithPassion]

Ok Let us know if you fix it!

[@mabast007]

What if the rotor is not on the 6? How do you fix it? mine is out of alignment.

[@FlyinRaptorJesus]

I was driving and heard a little bang and the engine just quit and won't restart... Is it possible the distributor went bad that suddenly? It was running perfect before that.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Or the timing chain ;((

[@youamess5]

thanks alot had a truck down two weeks

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!

[@rocroad9804]

The # 1 plug should be a straight shot through the wheel well opening it's a lot easier

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice to know.

[@BlakeHarvey903]

I just put a finger full of air and tied like a balloon off a nitrile/latex glove into the spark plug hole. On compression it will blow it out of the hole. It won't come out on the exhaust stroke

[@fanofbama14]

Hey man. My truck runs decent but idles rough and throws a code that makes me think that the engine is slightly out of time. I bought it cheap because the guy installed a new distributor and it wasn’t running perfect. I think that it may be a tooth off in timing. I will be setting the engine to top dead center on the compression stroke and then seeing if the button lines up with the 6. If it is off, do you lift it out turn that flat bar with a screwdriver, rotate one tooth and then set it back down in there?

[@aaronjohnson9207]

I have a 03 Blazer, same engine. Having trouble.. replaced the lower and upper manifold gaskets, (first time ever doing something like this). I didn't know the camshaft had to go in the very exact same way it came out. I just popped it in and put everything back together and it wouldn't start. Before the gasket blew the Blazer ran great, not a single problem. Put everything back together after watching this video and it'll crank up but sounds like crap? Any ideas??

[@robertnuttley57]

What if the pump gets misaligned? And it don't line up as your video shows? I removed my distributor and tried to install a new one . Yes I did mark the old position but the pump won't line up to allow it to sit flat on the 6 mark.

[@justinmurphy5385]

Same

[@nickgallo9129]

Which mark on the flywheel is the right one to time a chevy astro, the first or the second?

[@allenmckinney9533]

Here's a head scratcher for ya, my 2000 s10 4.3 won't run when I line the timing like this. For some reason it runs when the rotor is about 90 deg back from the 6. I've even talked with a GM dealership mechanic and he couldn't figure it out either.

[@FixingWithPassion]

You could have a timing chain that has jumped some teeth. I've see this. Unless the rotor pin has sheared some staying intact. I'd look at both.

[@allenmckinney9533]

TVWXMAN32 well its nothing with the distributor at all because ive tried a new distributor with the same effect. I was avoiding taking the timing cover off because of the bottom lip. The GM guy i talked with didnt think it was a timing chain issue but im not sure about that myself.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Well do this........Take out the #1 spark plus...(left Front driver side) Turn the motor until the piston comes all the way up )(TDC). Now if you don't know if its compression or exhaust...that's ok. Just put in distributor back in (pointing at the #6 on the marking). If it does not run then do that again, drop the distributor back in again....180 degrees opposite of the fist time. If it does not run....the the timing chain has prob jumped. That's the only way verify it. Also you could rock the crank back and forth slowly and watch the rotor cap and see if it has a lot of slack.

[@allenmckinney9533]

TVWXMAN32 I've tried all that. It was at tdc and there wasn't noticeable play when rocking the crank.

[@FixingWithPassion]

That chain had to jump some teeth ;( Although you could just make it run like you did before until you can spend some good quality time to fix it and tear the front cover off and fix it.

[@jethrotoll457]

Why do you have the rotor cap pointed at the #6 mark when the #1 piston is used to determine TDC? This might explain why my engine runs so rough. 😂

[@pedroroxannsuarez7109]

Can you walk me through how to find tdc and distributer timing. I changed the plugs and wires and didn't mark nothing. Then took the belt off and turned the crank stupid me. I had watched other videos😢

[@FixingWithPassion]

Ok .

[@auggieanderson5154]

To get to the plug it’s easier to go through the wheel well if you have an impact (if you have to take forever to take the wheel off maybe not

[@itsaktive5175]

Hey my mechanic installed a new distributor and now it’s throwing a code p1345 and my Chevy hesitates while driving any idea if he installed it wrong?

[@roadstar499]

so lets say distrib tooth broke or popped out and now i get a p1345 code in 4.3 blazer? how to set timing ? i bought blazer and the distributor was popping up and down ..so i tightened bolt...over last few days it seems to be running worse...thinking gears were damaged on distrib...i can buy a nother distrib just want to make sure timing is correct...any help is appreciated...thanks

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yea these 4.3 are fun to work on....ha ha....NOT! Happy Fixing.

[@roadstar499]

So do you think p1345 code could just be be because cap when bad? i guess that could be the case...it makes sense..years ago i used to replace them a lot...Also i never remember having to lift up distributor when replacing cap and rotor...did you just do that for extra fun? or is it required for the 4.3? thax

[@520dblock3]

Wait, could this be the reason my cam sensor getting the po341 code? I put my distributor on a while ago and I don't think I did this right

[@FixingWithPassion]

Maybe

[@evilfingers4302]

Wish #3 Spark Plug was easy to get to like #1 and #5

[@FixingWithPassion]

I know right!~

[@mattrob3231]

#3 is a pain in my rear.

[@NiteRyde]

I know a little late but how would i find my timing correctly if i already took my disutuor out and ready to put a new one in

[@cjim3902]

Same

[@NiteRyde]

@@cjim3902 i got it but then a few days later i blew my engine. but if you have like a endoscope its wayyy easier .

[@hectorornelas5986]

@@NiteRyde how did you do it ? My Sierra wont start anymore and it’s a pain In the ass to get too.

[@mikemileski1456]

How would I get tdc if the distributor is out, or if timing jumped, I wouldn't be able to look at the rotor or crank the motor over to feel the air in the cylinder

[@FixingWithPassion]

You won't

[@jamesrobert782]

Here's something strange, my distributor isn't in time when I have it on the 6, mine was marked white a white marker by a previous owner, just before the six slightly, I just wonder why this is. I'll have to retire my distributor.

[@David-qz7kt]

Thanks for the video. I just did my lower intake manifold gaskets and I believe I am slightly off as well. It hard starts and throws a P1345 code (crankshaft position, camshaft position correlation.) The timing being off is the only thing I can think of.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Maybe but does it have hwy full power driving?

[@GiorgosC-rp5ms]

i bought a 1998 blazer non running i took the distrubtor out and put it tdc and it started but runs terrible after 2500 rpm ad have a code p1345 cam crank correlation.

[@bbob8795]

Same here

[@itsaktive5175]

Did you fix the problem?

[@BlakeHarvey903]

The stock plugs on this engine for the 95 GMC are actually too long for the socket. If you put an extension directly into the socket you risk damaging the plug, it's best to use a 19 mm to go around the end of your spark plug socket

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!!

[@jimmysapien9961]

Did you Know While you had the Distributor out - you should have Changed the Oil PRESSURE SWITCH- it is right Underneath the DISTRIBUTOR DRIVER SIDE . ( why because eventually it will start Leaking oil ) mine Did Around 130,450 miles . Loss Of oil Pressure is A Big Sign - as Well as Lots of Oil LEAKING UNDERNEATH vehicle - So I went Ahead And Put on A BRAND NEW SUMMIT RACING DISTRIBUTOR - I was having To change Rotor and Cap Every 2,000miles - Corrosion🤔 No more Issues 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@FixingWithPassion]

Strange. I never had one that leaked. I worked on prob 50 in the past two years. But had to change the water pump on at least 5 of them and alternators at least 15. Just never know i guess.

[@jimmysapien9961]

@@FixingWithPassion I’m sure - just sharing because there is no way to remove the Oil pressure switch - with the Distributor on . & another thing On my 2001 blazer there IS A huge problem With Tail gate door Push button Switch ! Called the Actuator - Chevy Engineering messed on this big time There is no Compartment Door to Access the Actuator. If it goes out With the Tailgate closed you would have to CUT THE THE TOP PLASTIC cover TO GET IT OPENED - been there done that - I talked to Te Dealership and they Confirmed it - fyi

[@railrider1622]

U can use a remote starter button to turn engine. 🤔

[@davidporath1330]

fyi if you dont plug in the plug on back of dist. it will start and run i know from experience

[@FixingWithPassion]

Good to know!

[@glennmanchester1568]

I guess that's possible it just won't advance or anything and although it's running I'm sure it's not running well especially in the drivability area the coil still fires and it still fires the plugs but the plug on the back sends Info to the ECU to advance timing according to engine Rpms

[@davidporath1330]

There is 2 plugs on back one you can unplug the other it won't run if unplugged I do it all the time on them for a constant misfire so it won't put tranny into limp mode as by unplugging the one it don't register the misfire

[@aww4954]

Great video nathan

[@you-nh8xo]

Do I have to disconnect the positive cable from the alternator in order to rotate?

[@arturo707]

So what do you do to correct if timing chain has jumped?

[@FixingWithPassion]

Spend lots of money ;(

[@richjunah1234]

So why do.i keep.hearing that it needs to point to cylinder one on the rotor???

[@alonsorodriguez1160]

Very helpful your video ...thanks body...

[@FixingWithPassion]

Happy to help

[@cooldd463]

A 15/16" socket fits the alternator pulley bolt really well

[@FixingWithPassion]

Thanks!!

[@i_am_wi11_]

Changed my injectors and lower and upper intake gaskets . Since I had to pull out my distributor. The truck won’t start anymore .

[@johnthomas8035]

If you get a replacement distributor can you put the new one back in the same spot in same position

[@beardedforlife3740]

Assuming it's in time you absolutely can

[@INTERNA9]

Thank You

[@STRANGExDAYSx]

Does this work on a 4.3 88 S10 carbureted? Mine left me stranded twice. I'm mechanically inclined but I usually deal with japanese cars and I understand that the older s10 doesn't have a crank position sensor. Thx for any info.

[@scottymizzo415]

most defiantly i will going to get it in the next day or two

[@THX-bh7dn]

scottymizzo415 there's nothing like a defiant mechanic, kudos!

[@an667rb3]

Anyone else experiencing 2000 plus rpm idle after changing out the distributor

[@FixingWithPassion]

Broken vacuum?

[@FixingWithPassion]

Somewhere?

[@smokenbudesq]

BRING TO TOP DEAD CENTER ON NUMBER ONE CYLINDER ,IS THE BEST WAY TO BE SHURE YOUR TDC YOU COULD ALSO END UP 180 DEGREES OUT ,WITH NO START I WHICH CASE YOU WOULD NEED TO BRING TO TDC AGAIN AND SPIN IT 18O DEGREES. ALSO THERE IS A TIMING MARK ON CRANK .IF YOUR PISTON DOESNT COME TO TDC ON NUMBER ONE YOU ARE 180 DEGREES OUT KEEP ROTATING ENGINE TILL IT DOES. GAD SOME ONES GONNA GET SCREWED UP FROM THIS VIDEO.

[@irishLAX905]

What’s wrong with my S10 if I set the correct timing, tried to start up and the rotor rotates off timing again? Faulty distributor I’m assuming?