Electrical problem
1997 Chevy Blazer 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I have replaced the distributor on my 97 Blazer. Before placing the new one in, I brought the #1 cylinder to top dead center. The rotor on the dist should be facing the #1 spot, but it isn't......it faces the #6 spot. I have tried this all but a dozen times with the same result. I need help.

You're in the exhaust stroke -lift the distributor and turn the crankshaft 360deg then engage the distributor making sure the rotor is point to no.1 cap tower.

Are you sure? I thought that if I am top dead center, I am in the compression stroke......meaning that the piston is fully extended toward the spark plug.

The no.1 piston will go back up after the power stroke which will be the exhaust stroke and exhaust valve will open to relieve the exhaust gases

How did you you do it-did you feel for compression when piston no.1 is approaching TDC or you just line the markings at the crank and timing indicator-

I felt for compression as I turned the crankshaft. When it was TDC, I advanced it just a tad to align the marks and placed the dist in its place......except it wouldn't fully drop in unless it was in #6 firing position and the 180 from that.....I believe it's the #3.

I got it running. Thank you for your help.