They can only go in one way... (That I remember) There should be two dots like this. Line them up. Rotate the motor once and they should be in the same spot. Good luck!

 

rotate the engine so the 2 dots line up when you take it apart, then put it back the same way. You haven't changed anything this way.
Their worry about TDC is if the engine has been rotated or timing positions are unknown.

 

Well that is exactly the problem, the timing is unknown. I am not so sure that the previous owner really knew what he was doing.

You are correct they can only go on one way, however they can go on that way at either TDC for Cylinder 1 or TDC for cylinder 6, as they are companion cylinders.

The Haynes manual says that it should be at TDC on 6. The Chilton doesn't say either way. I just want to make sure I get it right and not have to tear it down again.

 

It will only go on one correct way if nothing is rotated lol.

Follow the Haynes manual, I believe 99% that's what I followed when I put mine together. If its 180 out, a different piston will be TDC. I can't remember without looking it up.

If you want to double check things, make sure the IP is correct after you do the chain. Install chain, rotate 180 so the cam dot is at the top and the dot on the IP gear should line up.

 

It can only go one way... Pull the Waterpump/Timing cover plate off and see if the two dots line up like the pic. With the dots lined up, there is physically only one way it can go. The only way it could be off was if the cam or crank were phased wrong (Rotated independently of the other), but then the dots wouldnt line up when rotated. So if the dots are lined up, you're good. Dont worry.

 

Doesn't matter if they are together or opposing, the cam is driven at half speed, hence why if you set them apart, turn the crank and they'll meet up, putting them together is just easier to do.