Ford 150, 5L 302 v8 EFI ‘Old School’ finding TDC

new distributor install question:

Does a piston only have 1 compression for top dead center?

I used the method of popping a paper towel pressed into #1.  I assume this is close to TDC when pops the PT from the #1 cylinder?

then I tried to find the ‘sweet spot’ feeling a small wooden dowel go up or down.

There  is just a line scribed on the timing plate. No numbers.

I believe I am one tooth off & need to reset distributor…..

any videos on a 302 old school distributor install finding TDC.


​​​​​​​appreciate any comment. 

This video will help you out if you haven't found it yet. Just make sure you truely do reference to #1 cylinder.

Thanks

I briskly cleaned the balancer. No luck seeing a TDC or numbers.
There is a v notch inscribed on the balancer. I assume Ford didn’t always provide numbers on the balancer?

I thought I hit the right tooth inserting the distri. with #1 pointing to back. Ran very rough. Adjusted distri. and it wouldn’t even fire.

I will try finding the correct distri. gear tooth to have the engine fire smoothly/correctly.

Thanks for video! Any advice is well received & appreciated.

Chalked the numbers, found TDC using 1# spark plug hole, set the timing at 12 degree, and slipped in the new distributive with rotor in correct position. Double checked the 13726548 firing from distri. to spark plugs.

Ran great/perfect! BUT when put in gear-no power -acted like firing on 4 plugs or fuel starvation without the backfire.
Then it slowly digressed to not firing.

I have successfully cleared 2 codes by replacing with new TPS & PIP.

now I have 2 new codes- (327 332) EGR;

And code 157 Mass Air Flow Senser.

Any advise is appreciate.  Thought I was close until it warmed up & chugged & died. Original symptoms. 

Replaced TPS, Distr., wires/plugs, thermostat, fuel pump/filter & ICM, twice.
(Was told in forum the gray after market ICM caused drivability issues; when I replaced with black meets original, the truck starts every time and does not shut off after warm up.
Only issue is a chug/lug with load applied but recovers. Idle is near perfect.
Might be EGR OR Catalytic convertor or oxygen sensor. It’s driveable but not running perfect yet . All advice from the professionals in this forum- thanks!

Still open to thoughts on fine tuning the chug!