On the upper timing sprocket (the one connected to the cam) on the 2.6L...at TDC, is the timing mark supposed to be straight up, theres a distinct punch in the sprocket that i assume is the timing mark.

Mine is off almost 360 degrees....i think that may be the culprit. Hopefully nothing else, but we shall see.

no.the dowel pin that aliagns the cam with the sprocket and distributer gear is suposed to be straight up.

You mean off 180 degrees?

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

yes, i meant almost 180 degrees.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />

The timing marks align with the copper plated links in the timing chain, both on the crank and on the cam sprockets. Hope this helps make some sense of it all. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

You're lined up at tdc on #4, not #1. Turn the crank one full turn to align the crank pulley notch with the tdc timing mark on the cover. Since the cam turns at half engine speed, the dowel pin hole should be just a hair short of 12:00, like 11:55 or so. Both valves are closed an the rockers are on the cam base circle on #1 cylinder, which is at tdc on the compression stroke. Now you align the marks on the dizzy and stab it into the head centering the adj slot over the head stud and letting the dizzy shaft turn as the helical gears engage, and you're mechanically timed right - good enough to crank it for sure, even though it will probably idle fast since the timing is retarded about 7* at tdc.