I need to find TDC for cyl #1 using only the rocker-arms and pushrods - and of course the timing marks. First so I can install the distributor, then so I can adjust the rest of the valves before I drop the engine back in the car...

 

So you guys no, I'm not an idiot who took everything apart without marking - disty/cap/plugs were already pulled when I reached the car...

 

Quick responses are greatly appreciated btw - I want this puppy wrapped up! thanks in advance

 

- Erik Hosa - Tacoma, WA -

well, i always end up making sure the #1 cylinder is up, with a pencel, or whatever, then i stick the disty in, where its almost pointing at the #1 plug wire. thats not the best way, but if you are off, you just gotta spin the motor over till #1 is at top again. trial and error is the slacker way =]

 

but if your valve covers are off, theres gotta be a better way. by looking at the rockers

take out all spark plugs, that will make the engine turn over easier, then put your thumb or someone elses on cylinder one spark plug hole, when it sounds like a pfft, ie its compressing, thats TDC on the intake, turn it until the piston is as high as it can go and voila, also look at the rockers as a clue they should both be closed.

Saweeeeet

 

This is exactly what I'm thinking (have it at correct TDC right now)

 

Piston is all the way up - at the dead-spot between exhaust and intake - which happens to be the '0' on the flywheel.

 

Should have been more specific to the question though

I also need to know if TDC for Cyl #1 is the same for Cyl#2 (it appears to be the same timing mark/place)

 

- Erik Hosa - Tacoma, WA -

since 1 and 2 are on opposite rod journals, ie, both out at the same time, if 1 is at TDC compression then 2 is at TDC exhaust

Originally posted by Bratwerst

Piston is all the way up - at the dead-spot between exhaust and intake - which happens to be the '0' on the flywheel.

Careful, there.

You want the TDC where neither rocker moves at all for at least 1/4 revolution either side of TDC. If you are at the TDC where moving the crank 10° either side of TDC moves a rocker, you're at TDC of the exhaust/intake stroke (wrong one for setting the distributor -- or alternatively, right one for setting it to point to No. 2 (180° out from No. 1)).

hense the pull the spark plug and feel for compression, as the piston comes up it wil push air out the spark plug hole, that is TDC compression not Exhaust.

the finger method is the way I did it on a sammy motor putting on the timing belt after a valve job, it worked fine.

thanks for all the replies guys - Feels good to know I was right in all my assumptions. Used the finger method in conjuction with the timing marks before I asked - but I'm always one to ask once, adjust twice, so it works the first time.

 

Also thanks to all your advice if I am a total idiot and do it wrong - I know where to switch the plug-wires to!

 

- Erik Hosa - Tacoma, WA -