I was trying to retard my timing on my distributor (d16y8 motor with d1y7 distributor if it matters). I had my pins jumpered and when I turned the distributor when I went all the way forward (as retarded as the timing could physically go) it was where it should be (in the middle of the 3 lines). I took the distributor off, and somehow when I put it back on it was opposite? Now when I jumpered it I had it fully advanced and that was right in the middle 3 lines. So I got my timing retarded the way I wanted, but how could it have possibly switched around? Could I have it on 180 out? Thanks

 

Just to be sure, if I wanted to retard my timing 4 degrees I would be right about here wouldnt I?

 

The dog teeth of the distributor can be inserted 180 out. It shouldn't fit easily as they are offset but many users have done it before you.

Inspect the dog teeth for the offset and make sure it matched the offset on the camshaft end.