well this sucks....how do i find TDC with the heads on, no timing tab....please help

 

why dont you have a timing tab? I dont think there's a way do it w/o the tab

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350, Comp 262, Edelbrock Performer intake 600 cfm carb and exhaust, headers

 

I think this also requires removal of the valve covers, but-

You can find TDC of #1 with a phillip's head screwdriver or wooden dowel placed inside of the spark plug hole. Remove the coil wire from the distributor, and turn the engine with a breaker bar & socket on the crankshaft pulley. When the dowel stops rising, you're getting close to TDC!

I believe next you have to look at the valves on the #1 cylinder to determine if they're both closed- someone check me on this? I always had a timing tab and didn't need to do this.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards

 

So, how do you find TDC if you DO have the timing tab? I have a brand new setup that has not been fired and I'll need to find TDC so I can set the timing.

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'92 RS, ZZ4 10:1 350, Edelbrock 6085 heads, Crane 208/214 467/482 cam, GM/LT4 1.6 true roller rockers, Holley Projection TBI intake, Holley 670 TBI, SLP/Jet-Hot 1-5/8" headers, Catco 3" cat, Flowmaster 3" catback, Hughes 2500 stall converter, stock 700R4, Auburn Pro posi w/3.42, 17x9" SS rims w/BFG tires, Medium Quasar Blue w/white SS stripes, 48,000 miles....

 

That would be correct, because each piston is at the top position twice per engine cycle (once for every turn of the crank). When both valves are up (closed) on #1 cylinder, the engine is at TDC position for #1 cylinder.


I normally put a finger over #1 spark plug hole while someone cranks the engine over by hand using a 1/2" drive ratchet. When air pressure starts to build in #1 cylinder, that means that it's starting its compression stroke and it's getting close to TDC. At that point, watch the timing tab and watch for the tick mark on the crankshaft damper. When the tick mark meets with the TDC mark on the timing tab, you're there.


[This message has been edited by dsmanimal (edited October 09, 2000).]

 

thanks for the reply guys.....
i put on a 2 piece billet timing chain cover and it had no pointer and forgot to mark everything when putting it together.