Top dead center
- Thread starter David1206
- Start date
For what purpose?
There is a mark on the crank pulley that indicates TDC.
Keep in mind that there is TDC compression and exhaust. For most purposes you'll be shooting for compression. If that's the case, I prefer to install a compressor tester hose, and bump the engine over until air blows out of it. Then insert your screwdriver and rotate the engine until the piston is at the top.
If the valve cover is off, you can also observe the valve behavior prior to TDC. Just before compression, the intake valve will open.
There is a mark on the crank pulley that indicates TDC.
Keep in mind that there is TDC compression and exhaust. For most purposes you'll be shooting for compression. If that's the case, I prefer to install a compressor tester hose, and bump the engine over until air blows out of it. Then insert your screwdriver and rotate the engine until the piston is at the top.
If the valve cover is off, you can also observe the valve behavior prior to TDC. Just before compression, the intake valve will open.
Last edited:
Maxx Mazda
Contributor
- :
- Stock P5
Stop with the screwdriver on the piston bulls*** please... Use a flashlight and look into the cylinder if anything.
There is a timing mark on the crank pulley and a scale on the lower plastic cover. Shine a flashlight down by the alternator and you can see them. Line up the reference mark on the balancer with the "T" on the scale and you're there.
Now if you're worried that you mistimed the engine after a head gasket, you'll need to pull at the very minimum the valve cover so you can see the index marks on the cam gears.
There is a timing mark on the crank pulley and a scale on the lower plastic cover. Shine a flashlight down by the alternator and you can see them. Line up the reference mark on the balancer with the "T" on the scale and you're there.
Now if you're worried that you mistimed the engine after a head gasket, you'll need to pull at the very minimum the valve cover so you can see the index marks on the cam gears.
