Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) TDC question

[jheath]

I want to know if there is a way to find tdc with the timing cover removed ,like some timing gear index marks. If not could someone give information where to find really good instructions on the valve rocker method. I keep playing with my timing but I have doubts on my tdc. thanks for any help.

 

[bmoeller]

On the backside of the gear cover above the vac/ps pumps and below the fuel inj. pump, there should be a timing pin. Mine was stuck, so it may take some persuasion. There is a hole in one of the gears that it fits into.

 

[Joe G.]

If you want to be really accurate and check that your timing pin is really at TDC do the following:



Find TDC by turning the engine until both valves are loose on #1 and both valves are tight on #6. Rotate the engine some in one direction. Loosen the lock nut on the rocker arm of the intake valve for #1. Tighten the adjustment screw 5 turns. Make sure that you know exactly how much you tightened it. Carefully turn the engine back from the direction you turned it until the piston touches the valve and stops. Mark a place on the vibration damper and the gear case cover. Loosen the lock nut again. Rotate the engine the other way from what you did the first time. Tighten the adjustment screw EXACTLY the same amount again. Turn the engine back toward the top until it stops. Mark the vibration damper again. Loosen the adjustment screw again and set the valve lash. Halfway between the marks on the vibration damper is TDC when positioned to the mark on the gear case.

 

[illflem]

Joe gives good advice, many times the pin is off by several degrees and shouldn't really be trusted until you check it.

 

[bighammer]

Check out my post for detailed instructions in this thread. I use a little different method that allows you to reset the valve lash just the one time. Follow the procedure exactly so the cam lobe doesn't start to lift the valve and alter the proper result.

 

[GAmes]

I used bighammer's method and marked my damper. The guy who advanced my timing used the dial indicator thru the injector hole method. The mark I made was right on the money.

 

[bighammer]

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I worked it out on paper first, then double-checked it with my timing pin. I wanted to be truly accurate before posting it on here.