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Need help finding TDC on a 351c motor.  Starter got bumped while distributor was out of car. I know the rotor turns counter-clockwise and which terminal on the cap is #1.  I need info on how to get to TDC on the ignition stroke so I can reinstall the distributor and get the cart running. Thanks in advance for your help.  

Its a very simple procedure really. Start with removing the number one spark plug(passenger side front cylinder). Next you will need a friend or a remote starter. Now this is where I tell you to use some common sense. Place your thumb over the spark plug hole and "bump" the starter. Refrain from sticking anything into the cylinder. As you bump the starter you will feel pressure from the Compression stroke. You now can align the timing marks on the harmonic balancer to 0 TDC. Finally set the rotor about 1/4 to 1/5 of a turn before number one on the cap and drop it in you might have to do this a few times to get it to line up.If you do miss the correct position you should be able to lift the distributor up enough to feel the teeth disengage and move one tooth at a time to find the right position. One more note make sure the distributor is FULLY  seated before you install the clamp. if it sticks up around a 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch it has not engaged the the oil pump drive shaft. If it will not drop all the way put the cap on and while pushing down gently bump the starterit should drop in prety easily though if the everything is back where it was when you pulled the distributor out. I'm sorry this is so long winded. I hope this helps you. GOOD LUCK!  

Its a very simple procedure really. Start with removing the number one spark plug(passenger side front cylinder). Next you will need a friend or a remote starter. Now this is where I tell you to use some common sense. Place your thumb over the spark plug hole and "bump" the starter. Refrain from sticking anything into the cylinder. As you bump the starter you will feel pressure from the Compression stroke. You now can align the timing marks on the harmonic balancer to 0 TDC. Finally set the rotor about 1/4 to 1/5 of a turn before number one on the cap and drop it in you might have to do this a few times to get it to line up.If you do miss the correct position you should be able to lift the distributor up enough to feel the teeth disengage and move one tooth at a time to find the right position. One more note make sure the distributor is FULLY  seated before you install the clamp. if it sticks up around a 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch it has not engaged the the oil pump drive shaft. If it will not drop all the way put the cap on and while pushing down gently bump the starter it should drop in pretty easily though if the everything is back where it was when you pulled the distributor out. I'm sorry this is so long winded. I hope this helps you. GOOD LUCK!  

you could turn the engine by hand. when cold turn the fan blades til you see the timming number marks on the pointer.
with a flashlight you could peek in the plug hole and see the piston. i have done this personaly it worked! all else 65stang wrote is correct if it sticks up, its not in.    Bowing deep o)  

you are right you could turn it by hand I have done this but I usually end up 180 out I guess you have a 50/50 chance either way.  

the mentioned sugestions, the cylinder atop and the timming marks are helpful
to be as close as possible. if you know where you have the timming set at(usefull when you don't have a timming light)you are there...  the things one comes up with when you're in deep thought.
bowing deep