I am having a hard time finding TDC. I removed my distributor without making any marks on it. When I read my book, it talks about finding the compression stroke. I can't really feel any compression though. I can look in the exhaust valve and see when it is depressed, or not. The motor is currently out of the car. I would like to try and get it right if I can before I put it back in the car. Any help is greatly appreciated.
You didn't mention what year or make of engine you are working on, but if memory serves, I would remove the valve cover on the side of the engine that no. 1 cylinder is located. Rotate crank until both intake and exhaust valves are closed on #1 cyl. and make sure the timing marks are aligned on the crank pulley. This is top dead center. If either intake or exhaust valve are in open position, then you are 180 degrees off. Install the distributor so that rotor is pointing to #1 in the distributor cap. You may have to try it a couple of times to get it just right. I hope I explained it correctly enough to help you. I know there are many experts on this board that could have explained better than I. Good luck,
I think I've found top dead center, but I'm not sure. I didn't really want to take the valve cover gaskets off, just put it all back together. If I am 180 deg. off, how do I correct it? Rotate the balancer until the timing mark comes around again?
Yes, rotate until both intake and exhaust valves are in the closed position and make sure the timing marks on the crank a lined up. On valve cover, I used to use a 3M #8001 on the valve cover side of the gasket and then use a film of silicone grease on the engine side. This allows for easy removal of valve cover, but yet seals very well. There's probably better technology today, but it has always worked well for me. BTW, what engine are you working on?
Remove all the spark plugs. Stick your thumb over #1 spark plug hole to seal it. Rotate the crank until you feel compression coming up. Look at the balancer. Turn until it is at zero. Your now at top dead center.
Well, I can't really feel the compression on the cylinder. I know I should be able to, but I can't. I am working on a '65 289. Thanks for your help.
Pull the ing small wire off starter relay make sure if you car has a manual trans make sure it is out of gear. Then put your thumb over cylinder #1 spark plug hole ( first spark plug by battery) Then jumper the starter relay the engine will crank when you feel the compresson stop cranking engine. Rotate the crank shaft till you are on T.D.C. You can stick a small screw driver in number one hole and you should fell the top of the piston. Then you know you are on TDC.
I think he mentioned, the engine is out of the car, rotating the engine is going to have to be with the crank bolt. I think I would still just remove the valve cover and that way, you would be sure of TDC. Also, I'm sure GCRIV already knows this, but #1 cyl. is on the right hand side of the engine and closest to the radiator.
It may take 4 rotations of the engine to feel the compression come up. If anything you should hear or feel the rush of air. Make sure your sealing he spark plug hole with you thumb. If you can't feel the compression you'll have to pull the valve cover and see if you have the valves on #1 hanging open.
