So the other day I took my distributor off to check my ignition coil inside....never made it that far since I couldn't get the stupid rotor off due the screw looking kinda stripped. So I figured I'd scuff up the cap and rotor contact points a bit while they were accessible with some sandpaper. Well I never made a mark as to how the distributor was lined up and so now I think my timing is off. I actually put the distributor back in the wrong way since it wouldn't start for a while and I figured I was not at #1 cylinder at DTC. So I put it back in correctly but now it's starting albeit running super rough and eventually dies. In order to check the timing I need the car to idle on it's own, so do I rotate the distributor clockwise (if facing it from the passenger front fender), I assume advancing the timing, to where there is a gap to the right of the top washer/bolt assembly??? See pic: http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/IMG_6198.jpg

HELP!

 

counter clockwise.

 

If you put it in the center it is usually close enough to get it to run. Than make adjustments from there.