Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) finding TDC

[jheath]

Where can I find Info on using the valve method of finding tdc? Or if it is simple to explain that would be fine too. Thanks for any help. I am waiting on my tool from snap-on and then I think I will try. I don't see how the pin method could be accurate at all.

 

[illflem]

Pin is better, see if this helps http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/valve_adj/12_valve.html

 

[CumminsPower98]

I timed my CTD a couple weeks ago and I used the valve method for finding TDC to start with (because the pin is such a pain). Once I found TDC using the valve method and marking the harmonic balancer I pushed the pin in and it was dead on so the pin is pretty accurate.



This is how I used the valves to find TDC. First I removed the #1 valve cover and began turning the engine over in the direction of rotation. I turned the engine over until the intake valve was closing. Once it was fully closed I turned the engine a bit more to bring it up close to TDC. I then referenced were the slot in the adjuster was at and proceeded to tighten the valve adjusting screw down 5 full turns. Next I rotated the engine in the same direction very gently until I had contact (valve hitting piston). I marked this point on the harmonic balancer using the tach sensor as my reference point. Next I loosened the valve adjuster back 5 turns to it's original point and rotated the engine past TDC where I did the same thing only from the other direction. After I got the two marks I just measured between the two marks and marked the center point, which is TDC. I don't know if I was very clear on this or not but I hope it helps if you decided to use this method.



Mark

 

[MDW]

Thats close to what I do but I go past tdc, then 5 turns on the valve, then back up to the valve, mark balancer, then go around until contact, mark balancer. Pretty much the same thing.

On one of my trucks the pin was out by 3. 5 degrees plus the timing wasnt right so the net result was 8 degrees, now its at 16. 5 , runs way better.