Finding TDC

[C dubya]

Alright guys, I have done a recent ignition upggrade. I finally found the timing marks on my 360V* behind the alternator. Put a timing light on it tonight and there is no discernable timing mark. Looks like alot of the finish on the crank has worn away so I need to find top dead center and mark it. I read it mentioned on here a few times but I am unsure about a few things. As I understand it, I remove sparkplug one and hand crank the motor to see or feel the piston come flush correct. Then I assum marking the crank at the timing mark of 0? How does one hand crank a motor is my biggest question. Thanks in advance.

 

[TroyaCantrell]

Not an expert and don't have a 360 but these should help.

Couple things, there should be a groove in the balancer it can be hard to see. I used a grease marker to fill in the groove, white is best, it makes it very visible under the timing light. You can also use paint or tape and draw the line but the mark should be there.

There are two Times when the piston is at the top on compression and exhaust be sure that you are on compression when both valves are closed, if you have the valve cover off. If you remove the #1 plug the compression should push your finger off. Don't put your finger in the hole.

Removing all the plugs will make it easier to turn over due to less compression. Use the bolt on the crank to turn it.

You can also check the see if the rotor under the distributor cap is pointing at the #1 to confirm TDC on compression.


Troy Cantrell
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Build thread - '66 CJ6 :
http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15075

 

[gert]

I was taught to spin the engine over with the starter and your finger over the #1 plug hole til you feel the air rushing past your finger STOP, thats the compression stroke. after that you can grab a breaker bar and socket on the center nut of the vibration dampner/center of the lower pulley and turn it over the same direction as the starter turns it. When you see a line across the dampner that will be TDC ….. oh ya pull the spark plug wire out of the coil you dont want it to start on you

 

[harleydragon]

Alright guys, I have done a recent ignition upggrade. I finally found the timing marks on my 360V* behind the alternator. Put a timing light on it tonight and there is no discernable timing mark. Looks like alot of the finish on the crank has worn away so I need to find top dead center and mark it. I read it mentioned on here a few times but I am unsure about a few things. As I understand it, I remove sparkplug one and hand crank the motor to see or feel the piston come flush correct. Then I assum marking the crank at the timing mark of 0? How does one hand crank a motor is my biggest question. Thanks in advance.

the groove is deep enough that it shouldn't be worn off..it will be behind the belt on the very rear portion of the harmonic balancer..I usually mark mine with soap stone but others use different things..white or silver works best for me

 

[C dubya]

Thanks guys, I was able to find the groove and mark it with a grease pen. Got her timed right.