I know this is fairly simple, but some people have trouble locating TDC (Top Dead Center) when trying to do anything timing wise. This is a pretty simple way of doing it.
If your harmonic balancer doesn't have the timing mark to locate TDC, and you failed to makr appropriate markings on the distributor or what not, follow this advice:
Unscrew the spark plug on the #1 cylinder. (The cylinder at the very front of the engine, by the accesory belt.)
Put the spark plug back on top of the threads so that it just sits in them, but isn't screwed in at all.
With a breaker bar, turn over the engine clockwise using the harmonic balancer bolt until you hear wooshing noise coming from the spark plug. When you hear this noise, push on the breaker bar faster and if the spark plug pops out, you're on the compression side. If it doesn't pop out, you're going to have to turn it another 360 degrees until it's on the compression stroke.
Keep the plug out and get a flashlight. Look into the cylinder through the spark plug hole and you should see the piston. Turn the engine over by hand until the piston stops at the very top of it's climb. You're now at Top Dead Center on #1 on the compression stroke.
It's pretty simple but it can solve a lot of frusteration.
If your harmonic balancer doesn't have the timing mark to locate TDC, and you failed to makr appropriate markings on the distributor or what not, follow this advice:
Unscrew the spark plug on the #1 cylinder. (The cylinder at the very front of the engine, by the accesory belt.)
Put the spark plug back on top of the threads so that it just sits in them, but isn't screwed in at all.
With a breaker bar, turn over the engine clockwise using the harmonic balancer bolt until you hear wooshing noise coming from the spark plug. When you hear this noise, push on the breaker bar faster and if the spark plug pops out, you're on the compression side. If it doesn't pop out, you're going to have to turn it another 360 degrees until it's on the compression stroke.
Keep the plug out and get a flashlight. Look into the cylinder through the spark plug hole and you should see the piston. Turn the engine over by hand until the piston stops at the very top of it's climb. You're now at Top Dead Center on #1 on the compression stroke.
It's pretty simple but it can solve a lot of frusteration.
