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Finding TDC on compression stroke


SplotchyAphid05

Member
U.S. Military - Active
Joined
Jul 6, 2024
Messages
24
Reaction score
3
Location
Minnesota
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Ford ranger
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Hello I am currently trying to set valve lash after my rebuild and for the life of me cant figure out how to get cylinder 1 to TDC on the compression stroke the book I have says to line it up with the distributor but that currently is not installed due to me figuring out how to line it up with the proper timing any help is appreciated oh and the engine is currently on an engine stand
 


19Walt93

Well-Known Member
Ford Technician
V8 Engine Swap
Joined
Nov 13, 2018
Messages
4,742
Reaction score
4,745
Location
Canaan,NH
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
351
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Drop
3"
Tire Size
235/55R16
My credo
If you don't have time to do it right will you have time to do it over?
Loosen the number 1 plug and turn the engine over by hand, you'll hears air hissing out once it's on the compression stroke. Then take the plug all the way out and stick a screw driver in the hole, turn the engine by hand some more and you'll feel the piston coming up. When it's near the top, rotate the engine back and forth to pinpoint TDC. It's a good time to verify your timing mark is accurate, if it's off, look at the elastomer in the harmonic balancer and then probably replace the balancer.
 

SplotchyAphid05

Member
U.S. Military - Active
Joined
Jul 6, 2024
Messages
24
Reaction score
3
Location
Minnesota
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Ford ranger
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Loosen the number 1 plug and turn the engine over by hand, you'll hears air hissing out once it's on the compression stroke. Then take the plug all the way out and stick a screw driver in the hole, turn the engine by hand some more and you'll feel the piston coming up. When it's near the top, rotate the engine back and forth to pinpoint TDC. It's a good time to verify your timing mark is accurate, if it's off, look at the elastomer in the harmonic balancer and then probably replace the balancer.
Where should the timing marks on the harmonic balancer line up
 

19Walt93

Well-Known Member
Ford Technician
V8 Engine Swap
Joined
Nov 13, 2018
Messages
4,742
Reaction score
4,745
Location
Canaan,NH
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
351
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Drop
3"
Tire Size
235/55R16
My credo
If you don't have time to do it right will you have time to do it over?

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