1989 XJ timing concerns

[Heretic337]

I was in the middle of installing a new distributor and oil pump, I have the pan off and can see the cam. Now I was thinking TDC compression stroke is where both cam lobes are off the push-rods, and the #1 cylinder is all the way up, and the intake lobe on #1 is about to move and hit. and the exhaust lobe has already ran its course... am I on the right track... just wondering.

Hope everyones memorial day weekend was as good as mine.

[4.3LXJ]

Easiest way to find it is to rotate the crank with your finger on the spark plug hole. After the whoosh the timing mark is TDC

[Heretic337]

thanks. im just wondering because when the pan is off you can hear a wooshing noise. and sometimes in my experience the lobes on the cam are no where near the pushrods.. but i have more experience in OHC... the AC pump is WAY in the way..with the pan off will you still feel the woosh or suction...?

[4.3LXJ]

You probably have a little blow by. It is normal when the engine turns slowly. Might also have some getting past the valves.

[Heretic337]

k, Thanks!!! Im gonna put the oil pump back in and put my finger on the plug hole and see where that gets me.