Finding TDC.

[Smiffo]

Evening all.

Ok, after sourcing all my parts to replace the Solex carb etc, and getting the correct distributor, I have managed ( I think ) to borrow a timing gun from a friend of a friend.

Now, never having set the timing before, and being that I am going to do this in stages, I wanted to get the steps in my mind.
When I change the distributor, I will need to re-do the timing - that has been made clear in other posts:

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=147477" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Now the question is what is the easiest way to find TDC on my engine knowing that it already working now?
I have a plan, but want others to make sure I'm thinking right.

I think if I turn the pulley to the TDC mark at the top, then it could be either cyclinder 1 or 3 that is lined up.
I am thinking that as I know my existing set-up is correct, then I should only need to make sure the rotor arm in the existing DF distributor is lined up to the lead that goes to cylinder 1 when the TDC mark is at the top.

Is that correct, or am I missing something?
( If it points to the lead that goes to cylinder 3, then I only need to turn the pulley round 360 degrees until the TDC mark lines up again, and that should where the rotor arm points to the lead for cylinder 1. )

Once that is done, I just change out the old distributor for my replacement of DG variety, and then fine adjust the timing with the timing gun.

If this is wrong let me know. Hopefully do this in a few days.
All the other methods I have seen involve looking at valve positions and that seems a bit over the top for my situation.

[ghost123uk]

Yep, the simple answer is, that ^^^ all sounds correct

[Smiffo]

Yep, the simple answer is, that ^^^ all sounds correct

Thanks John.
Had a feeling it would be, but wanted to be 100%.

Last thing I need is a van stuck on the driveway that won't start..!!

I will pop back to the other thread now for the rest - seems slight differences in vac lines on Distributor too....