finding TDC

[michaelburns24]

how can I find Top dead cener of number 1 while it is on the compression stroke, the distributor was put in wrong, and the heads were replaced and valves need to be readjusted. I was told to place my finger in the plug hole on number 1 and turn the engine until air blows out of the spark plug hole, and that would be the compression stroke, however with the valves not yet adjusted, it seems to blow air on both the exhaust and compression stroke, as the distributor is disturbed I can not look to see when it is pointing at number 1
I was told another way is to watch the valves and when it starts pushing on the intake valve, rotate till on top dead center just after that, however I do not know which one is the intake valve
any help would be greatly appreciated
mike

 

[IMenriched]

Note where the exhuast manifold is in relationship to the head(#1 cylinder)...the exhaust port &valve on the head, will be just about directly inline with the manifold.

The intake valve will be the one more off to the side. and more in line with intake port and intake manifold (above).

make sure your rotating the engine the correct direction.

the Technical Library here on TRS has vast array of good information that can help.

 

[Psychopete]

The advice about the air blowing out is accurate. Since it's on the compression stroke, the air has no where else to go but out of the spark plug hole.

If I remember correctly, I recall the piston being at/close to TDC when the timing pointer pointed to the T/C mark on the harmonic balancer. But that won't get you on the right stroke (well 50/50 chance). Both valves will be closed on the compression stroke. Engine turns clockwise.

Closed valves on #1 cylinder (as it's moving upward) + T/C mark alignment = TDC on compression stroke.

The valves should be taken to zero lash and turned 1.5 turns for adjustment, but you'll want to start with TDC first and work your way to the other cylinders. I wouldn't recommend trying to run it with an unknown valve adjustment.

If you're trying to start it to adjust the valves while it's running, take note of the adjuster on the end of the rocker arm that meets with the pushrod. FWIW, I don't think (I wasn't able to) you'll have much luck adjusting the valves with the engine running.

Pete

 

[WhiteBroncoII2WD]

The advice about the air blowing out is accurate. Since it's on the compression stroke, the air has no where else to go but out of the spark plug hole.

If I remember correctly, I recall the piston being at/close to TDC when the timing pointer pointed to the T/C mark on the harmonic balancer. But that won't get you on the right stroke (well 50/50 chance). Both valves will be closed on the compression stroke. Engine turns clockwise.

Closed valves on #1 cylinder (as it's moving upward) + T/C mark alignment = TDC on compression stroke.

The valves should be taken to zero lash and turned 1.5 turns for adjustment, but you'll want to start with TDC first and work your way to the other cylinders. I wouldn't recommend trying to run it with an unknown valve adjustment.

If you're trying to start it to adjust the valves while it's running, take note of the adjuster on the end of the rocker arm that meets with the pushrod. FWIW, I don't think (I wasn't able to) you'll have much luck adjusting the valves with the engine running.

Pete

+1 go with Pete

 

[bagdranger]

I just learned a way from my father-in-law. He uses a rag and wedges it in the spark plug hole with a screwdriver and spins the motor over and the rag will actually pop out the hole. just my 2 cents

 

[michaelburns24]

thank you all, I finally got it to tdc and put the distributor in correctly, and the valves adjusted properly, now it no longer knocks.
Now I just need to get it timed right and all should be good
thanks again