What is the correct procedure to check and correct the distributor timing.

Static timing (distributor setting) on this vehicle requires a stroboscopic timing light and following the proper setting procedure. If you do not have access to a Shop Manual for this vehicle, I recommend consulting a GM dealer for static timing adjustment instructions.

Distributor Installation

This is for distributor installation, if I understood your post correctly. There is also camshaft retard set, you need a scanner for that.

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1. Bring cylinder number one piston to Top Dead Center (TDC) of compression stroke.


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2. Remove the distributor cap bolts and discard.
3. Remove the distributor cap.


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4. Install a NEW distributor gasket onto the distributor.


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5. Align the indent hole on the driven gear with the paint mark on the distributor housing.
6. Ensure that the distributor rotor segment points to the cap hold area.


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7. Align the slotted tang in the oil pump driveshaft with the distributor driveshaft. Rotate the oil pump driveshaft with a screwdriver if necessary.
8. Align the flat (1) in the distributor housing toward the front of the engine.
9. Install the distributor and distributor clamp.


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10. Once the distributor is fully seated, align the distributor rotor segment with the number 8 pointer that is cast into the distributor base.
11. If the distributor rotor segment does not come within a few degrees of the number 8 pointer, the gear mesh between the distributor and camshaft may be off a tooth or more. Repeat the procedure in order to achieve proper alignment.


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Caution! Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

12. Install the distributor clamp bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the distributor clamp bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

not the correct procedure
put the timing mark on the pulley at the timing mark pointer ( (10 degrees advanced is optional)
then turn the distributor until the rotor button points directly to no one lead
if it doesn't then you are 180 degrees out on the crankshaft

1988-95 MODELS
See Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11
This service procedure is for setting base ignition timing. Refer to underhood emission sticker for any additional service procedure steps and/or specifications.
These engines require a tachometer hook-up to the check connector-see illustrations. NEVER allow the tachometer terminal to become grounded; severe and expensive damage can occur to the coil and/or igniter.
Some tachometers are not compatible with this ignition system, confirm the compatibility of your unit before using.

1. Warm the engine to normal operating temperature. Turn off all electrical accessories. Do not attempt to check timing specification or idle speed on a cold engine.

Fig. Fig. 6: Attach the tachometer to the battery and check connector terminals

1. Connect a tachometer (connect the tachometer (+) terminal to the terminal IG- of the check connector) and check the engine idle speed to be sure it is within the specification given in the Tune-Up Specifications chart or underhood emission sticker.
2. Remove the cap on the diagnostic check connector. Using a small jumper wire or Special Service Tool SST 09843-18020, short terminals TE1 (test terminal No. 1) and E1 (earth-ground) together.
3. If the timing marks are difficult to see, shut the engine OFF and use a dab of paint or chalk to make them more visible.
4. Connect a timing light according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Fig. Fig. 7: Early type of check connector and SST tool (jumper wire) for base timing adjustment

Fig. Fig. 8: Using the SST 09843-18020 or a jumper wire, connect terminals TE1 and E1 of the DLC1 (also used on OBD-II)

Fig. Fig. 9: Ignition timing marks 4A-GE engine-note the small notch on the pulley, this is the mark to align with the degree scale

Fig. Fig. 10: Timing marks 4A-FE and 7A-FE engines

1. Start the engine and use the timing light to observe the timing marks. With the jumper wire in the check connector the timing should be to specifications (refer to underhood emission sticker as necessary) with the engine fully warmed up (at correct idle speed) and the transmission in correct position. If the timing is not correct, loosen the bolts at the distributor just enough so that the distributor can be turned. Turn the distributor to advance or ****** the timing as required. Once the proper marks are seen to align with the timing light, timing is correct.

Fig. Fig. 11: If necessary, loosen the 2 mounting bolts and turn the distributor to adjust the timing

1. Without changing the position of the distributor, tighten the distributor bolts and double check the timing with the light (check idle speed as necessary).
2. Disconnect the jumper wire or Special Service Tool (SST) at the diagnostic check connector.

This jumper will be used repeatedly during diagnostics in later sections. Take the time to make a proper jumper with correct terminals or probes. It's a valuable special tool for very low cost.

1. Refer to the underhood emission sticker for timing specification and any additional service procedure steps. If necessary, repeat the timing adjustment procedure.
2. Shut the engine OFF and disconnect all test equipment. Roadtest the vehicle for proper operation.

The ignition timing is not adjusted with a timing light or with the engine running, and to set the ignition timing follow these procedures.

There is a mark or notch on the distributor housing that the rotor should be pointing to when the engine is on TDC. (Top Dead Center) This "Static" timing is all that matters and the computer will be able to control the timing as long as the ignition rotor is in that position when the engine is at TDC.

1. Place the engine at top dead center.

2. Look under the distributor cap and find where the number one terminal runs under the distributor cap, and where that position on the distributor cap corresponds with the distributor housing, and it should match up to a mark or a notch on the distributor housing (usually has a #6 for 6 cylinder engines or a #8 for 8 cylinder engines) indicating the number one TDC alignment position.

3. With the engine on top dead center the ignition rotor should be pointing to the number one TDC alignment mark or notch that is on the distributor housing, if it is not then loosen up the distributor and turn the distributor until the ignition rotor is pointing to and aligned with the TDC alignment mark or notch on the distributor housing and then tighten down the distributor, the engine should now be "Static" timed. (The more precise that you are aligning the TDC alignment mark with the ignition rotor the better the engine will run, and it will be less likely that there will be a camshaft to crankshaft correlation problem)

If the distributor can not be turned enough to align the ignition rotor with the number one TDC alignment mark on the distributor housing, or the distributor does not set properly and will not allow the installation of the spark plug wires then the distributor is not installed correctly and is most likely a tooth off and it will need to be re-installed correctly. (The distributor should set like it is shown in the firing order diagram when it is properly installed)

Here is a firing order diagram to also help assist you.

Some distributors have the hold down bracket secured onto the distributor housing and the distributor can not be turned into alignment and then tightened down into that position, and these distributors will only fit into the engine and correctly align on "Static" timing one certain way, and when it is correct the distributor hold down bracket bolt can be installed and the TDC alignment mark on the distributor housing will remain properly aligned with the ignition rotor.

Once the distributor is installed correctly at top dead center on number one cylinder, the PCM controls the base timing, the base timing is not adjustable and will fluctuate with certain engine operating conditions such as engine temp,vehicle speed and if the system is in closed or open loop.

First verify if you have spark using a tester,then verify you have fuel
now verify timing heres how;

To get #1 compression remove plug and put your finger in the hole and have someone crank the engine until you feel your finger being pushed off by the air pressure. Now line up the timing mark.

Rotate the number 1 cylinder to Top Dead Center (TDC) of the compression stroke.



Align white paint mark on the bottom stem of the distributor, and the pre-drilled indent hole in the bottom of the gear (3).
Notice: The ignition system distributor driven gear and rotor may be installed in multiple positions. In order to avoid mistakes, mark the distributor on the following components in order to ensure the same mounting position upon reassembly:

• The distributor driven gear

• The distributor shaft

• The rotor holes

Installing the driven gear 180 degrees out of alignment, or locating the rotor in the wrong holes, will cause a no-start condition. Premature engine wear or damage may result.

Notice: Installing the driven gear 180 degrees out of alignment, or locating the distributor rotor in the wrong holes, may cause a no-start condition. Premature engine wear and damage may result.

With the gear in this position, the rotor segment should be positioned as shown for a V6 engine (1) or V8 engine (2).
- The alignment will not be exact.

- If the driven gear is installed incorrectly, the dimple will be approximately 180 degrees opposite of the rotor segment when it is installed in the distributor.





Using a long screw driver, align the oil pump drive shaft to the drive tab of the distributor.
Guide the distributor into the engine. Ensure that the spark plug towers are perpendicular to the centerline of the engine.



Once the distributor is fully seated, the rotor segment should be aligned with the pointer cast into the distributor base.
- This pointer may have a 6 cast into it, indicating that the distributor is to be used on a 6 cylinder engine or a 8 cast into it, indicating that the distributor is to be used on a 8 cylinder engine.

- If the rotor segment does not come within a few degrees of the pointer, the gear mesh between the distributor and the camshaft may be off a tooth or more.

- If this is the case, repeat the procedure again in order to achieve proper alignment.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

Install the distributor mounting clamp.

Tighten
Tighten the distributor clamp bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).





Install the distributor cap.
Install two NEW distributor cap screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 2.4 N·m (21 lb in).

Install the electrical connector to the distributor.
Install the spark plug wires to the distributor cap. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Harness Replacement
Important: If the Malfunction Indicator lamp is turned on after installing the distributor, and a DTC P1345 is found, the distributor has been installed incorrectly.
Repeat Installation Procedure 2 for proper distributor installation 
hope this helps

For 1992 Cadillac DeVille 4.9 liter V-8 VIN "B" check this ...



Hope helps (remember rated this).

firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6

1. Insert each ignition wire on proper terminal of distributor cap . Ensure ignition wires are properly seated on the terminals. The No. 1 terminal is identified on distributor cap .

not sure if #1 cylinder is on the front right or front left. Call a dealer.

Installation
Before installing distributor , visually inspect distributor . Inspect the O-ring. It should fit tightly and be free of cuts. The drive gear should be free of nicks, cracks and excessive wear. Rotate distributor drive shaft. It should move freely, without binding.

1. To install distributor correctly, No. 1 piston (6108) must be at Top Dead Center (TDC) of compression stroke. Remove No. 1 cylinder spark plug (12405) and rotate crankshaft (6303) clockwise until No. 1 piston is on the compression stroke.

1. With No. 1 piston on compression stroke, align timing pointer with TDC on the crankshaft damper.

1. Align locating boss on distributor rotor with hole on armature. Fully seat distributor rotor on distributor shaft.

1. Rotate distributor shaft so blade on distributor rotor is pointing toward mark on distributor base that was previously made in Step 2 of the Removal procedure.

1. While installing, continue rotating distributor rotor slightly so leading edge of the vane is centered in vane switch stator assembly.

1. Rotate distributor in engine front cover to align leading edge of vane and vane switch stator assembly. Verify distributor rotor is pointing at No. 1 mark on distributor base. If vane and vane switch stator cannot be aligned by rotating distributor in engine front cover , remove distributor enough to just disengage distributor gear from camshaft gear. Rotate distributor rotor enough to engage distributor gear on another tooth of camshaft gear. Repeat Step 1 if necessary.
   

1. Install distributor hold-down clamp and bolt. Tighten bolt, but leave it loose enough to rotate distributor .

1. Install distributor cap , No. 1 spark plug and ignition wires. Check that ignition wires are securely connected to the distributor cap and spark plugs . Tighten distributor cap hold-down screws to 2.0-2.6 Nm (18-23 lb-in).

1. Reconnect distributor to engine control sensor wiring .

1. Set initial engine ignition timing according to procedures found in Section 8A of the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis Manual.

1. After engine ignition timing is set, tighten distributor hold-down bolt on to 20-30 Nm (15-22 lb-ft).

1. Recheck initial engine ignition timing. Adjust if necessary.

Please rate as fixya if this helps. Ignition Timing Check and adjust the ignition timing using the following procedure:

1. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to normal operating temperature.
   

1. Shut off all of the accessories.
   

1. Connect Rotunda Timing Analyzer 164-R0257 or equivalent.
   

1. Using a jumper, ground the self-test input (STI) terminal at the data link connector (DLC).
   
   
   
   
   

1. Check the base ignition timing. The yellow ignition timing mark should line up with the pointer on the timing belt cover.
   
   
   
   
   

1. If the timing marks do not line up, continue with the following steps.
   

1. Loosen the distributor bolts.
   

1. Rotate the distributor (12127) until the timing marks are properly aligned.
   
   
   
   
   

1. Tighten the distributor bolts to 19-25 Nm (14-19 lb-ft).
   

1. Check the timing marks to ensure they did not move when the distributor bolts were tightened.
   

1. Remove the jumper from the STI terminal at the DLC.
   

1. Remove the Rotunda Timing Analyzer 164-R0257 or equivalent.