Did I install my distributor properly?

[CDN_Cruiser]

Hi all! I replaced the o ring on distributor and want to make sure I've installed it properly before I button up the valve cover. Set to '0', dots on gears lined up, marks on distributor gear and arm(?) lined up,...but when I slide it in, the gear and arm marks are no longer lined up (see the picture w the pic vs mark on arm). The adjustor bolt for timing is in the same location that I marked before removing.

Obviously haven't done timing. I want to make sure it's ok before i reinstall the valve cover.

Thanks Hugh

 

[mudgudgeon]

Looks like you're good.

As you put the distributor back in, line up the dot (or nub, can't remember)on the distributor gear, with the groove on the distributor body.
Hold the distributor so the slotted hole on the distributor body is centered over the bolt bolt.
As you push the distributor into place, the helical gear will cause it to rotate slightly which means the alignment marks on the distributor are now not lined up.
This will get your timing in the ballpark.
Follow timing procedures from there.

 

[CDN_Cruiser]

Looks like you're good.

As you put the distributor back in, line up the dot (or nub, can't remember)on the distributor gear, with the groove on the distributor body.
Hold the distributor so the slotted hole on the distributor body is centered over the bolt bolt.
As you push the distributor into place, the helical gear will cause it to rotate slightly which means the alignment marks on the distributor are now not lined up.
This will get your timing in the ballpark.
Follow timing procedures from there.

Many thanks. I appreciate you confirming the alignment marks will rotate. I've also read a bit more, and it looks like I may need to rotate 180* ( ie I have two dots on the inside of the gears and one on the outside and it should be the reverse).

 

[Rusty Marlin]

Engine needs to be at TDC on compression stroke. Look at the valves, if they are not engaged with the cam lobes and the timing marks on the HB line up you're good to go. If your exhaust valve is engaged with the cam lobe you'll need to come around on the engine 1 turn, based on your pic of the HB.
On other engines to find TDC Compression, I've pulled all the plugs so the engine is easy to turn over and stuffed a rag in the plug well. When it POPS you're at the compression stroke. If you can't see the timing marks (you obviously did), a dowel can be slid down on top of the piston and stop rotating the engine when the dowel gets to the highest point of travel.

 

[CDN_Cruiser]

Rotated a revolution and I think I'm set. Thanks for the guidance!