1986 Mazda Truck Rotor Direction
Firing order-1342 ( clockwise) rotation
REMOVAL
1. Rotate crankshaft in normal direction of rotation until ignition timing mark (No. 1 piston should be in compression stroke) on crankshaft pulley is in line with indicator pin on timing chain cover.
2. Remove distributor cap and disconnect vacuum tube from distributor.
3. Disconnect primary wiring at distributor. On GLC models, mark rotor position on distributor body, then place alignment marks on distributor body and distributor mounting before removing distributor.
4. Remove distributor lock bolt.
5. Slide distributor out of cylinder head. Do not crank engine after distributor has been removed.
INSTALLATION
1. Align marks on distributor housing and driven gear. On GLC models, align rotor to distributor housing and distributor housing to distributor mounting marks made during removal, when installing distributor.
2. Install distributor and lock bolt. On 323 models, align distributor blade with small oil holes before installing it.
3. Rotate distributor housing until reluctor or signal rotor aligns with pole piece of pickup coil. On all models, tighten distributor hold-down bolt.
4. Install distributor rotor and cap.
5. Install high tension leads and connect primary wiring.
6. Connect vacuum sensing tube to vacuum control unit.
7. Adjust ignition timing.
Make sure you are on the compression stroke, turn the engine by bumping the starter and remove #1 spark plug, when you feel pressure as the timing mark is coming up you are on the compression stroke, the mark will come up twice but only one of them is the compression stroke.
Please check out this page to see what I am talking about.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-engine-works
Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.
Suggested Repair
With the timing marks aligned and cylinder 1 on the compression stroke, point the distributor rotor at the No. 1 tower at 12 o'clock as viewed from the driver's side. Distributor rotation and firing order 1-3-4-2 are clockwise. Confirm compression by feeling pressure at the removed No. 1 spark plug as the timing mark approaches, then set and adjust ignition timing.
Conversation Summary
The owner of a 1986 Mazda truck asked which way the distributor rotor should face when the timing marks are aligned and cylinder 1 is at TDC. The expert said rotation is clockwise, with the No. 1 tower at 12 o'clock from the driver's side and firing order 1-3-4-2. They also explained how to confirm the compression stroke and outlined distributor removal, installation, and timing adjustment.

