Distributor off by one tooth

[preaction]

A FE distributor installed off by 1 tooth would that change the timing seen at the balancer by approximately 30* ?

[My427stang]

I would have to count teeth, but it sounds right-ish, if you didn't correct by turning the distributor. 

Remember though, if the timing marks reads right with a light, you can't be off a tooth for function, only for looks.

[BattlestarGalactic]

Going by math, if there are 10 teeth, then ya, it would move it 36*.  But that has no effect as for the timing mark on the balancer.  You still have to turn the distributor that amount to get rotor back to the #1 spot on the cap.  Or move the wires on the cap one spot.

I've never really paid attention on any of my hot rods where #1 is suppose to be(by any book).  I just stab the distributor and put #1 wire where it needs to be to match the rotor.

[jayb]

I do the same as Larry, except I try to put the #1 cylinder close to the front of the cap, not towards the back like stock.  The firing order seems more intuitive to me that way...

[preaction]

I thought moving the distributor one tooth would change where 0* was in relation to the pointer, I have an engine that runs OK and starts OK being timed at 15* initial but when I hand turn the distributor to where it runs the best and smoothest the balancer and pointer are reading 35* I have never ran into one but is this what a spun balancer rings looks like ?

[BattlestarGalactic]

You can always make it sound smoother by advancing timing,  to a point.  I bet it is really hard to start with that much initial advance? (unless the balancer has slipped).

If you think the balancer slipped, then do a down and dirty TDC check and see what it actually is.  Pull #1 plug and roll motor around til close to TDC mark.  Use a piece of wire and carefully feel the piston rise as someone turns the crank.  Once the piston stops coming up, look at balancer.  Should be really close to TDC mark if everything is good.  Not a perfect way, but surely tell you if it is 20* off.  You need a piston stop to do it right.