TDC pointer

[btoscano]

Hey all,



I am used to working on Mercedes that have degree marks directly on the crank pulley and a pointed bolted the block. Our trucks have neither. Where can I source a pointer to attach to the timing cover or somewhere? I am looking for something more sturdy that the shop tool I made which was a piece of 14 gauage copper wire subject to bending, etc. Anybody have any pictures of what they did. I bet this is an easy question for some of you and you may laugh at me, but I am just not used to working on American engines so I have a learning curve.



Thanks,

Brian

 

[Philip]

The TDC pin is located under the injection pump. Push it in and turn the engine over with a baring tool or the fan belt like most of us do. You will feel it drop into a small hole on the back side of the timing gear. Be sure to pull it back out when you find TDC or it will take the tip off the pin.



Or you can pop the pin out and us a finger to feel the timing mark.

 

[Greenleaf]

Yep. That's why we don't have a pointer.



If or when you perform a valve spring adjustment you still REALLY don't need to mark timing or position. You simply follow the firing order and watch the valve movement to position TDC per each piston in each cylinder.



I have marked the damper with paint marker to achieve a general reference for the TDC of the companion cylinders; 1/6 2/5 3/4