I'm trying to get my 1990 dx hatch running again. I got the cam gear changed and i put a new distrib on for kicks. The cam gear was stripped so thats why I had to change it. When I turn the crank the pully has 3 dash marks then 1 single dash mark about an inch away. Do I line up the center of the 3 dash marks or the one lonley dash mark? I know the engine could possibily be ruined but what the hell it's worth a shot. I think I'm about 5 degrees off timming cause it started once and ran kinda rough for bout 3 seconds and i cut it off. then when I tried to turn it over again it wouldn't start.

 

Yeah, the center of the three marks is the stock setting. 16* btdc.

 

Thanks hopefully I can work on the car on sunday and get it going.

 

Assuming by your question, you have replaced the cam sprocket and are now reinstalling the timing belt. If you are reinstalling the timing belt you want to go by the single mark on the Crank pulley as this is TDC. Once you have done this and the car is running, then to set the timing you will use a timing light and go off the center of the three marks as stated by Street Sniper.

 

thank you. i started to panic when i saw that answer. i didnt want him to set the TDC at 16*[:@] Sniper knew what he was saying, just not what was being asked.