Another TDC question

[fiily]

Originally Posted by Bradical

Good going, brother! If you havent already, watch Van's video on youtube.

Yea, Van's videos are a great resource, watched them plenty already.

[JBC]

I just finished my belts (cam and balance). It was my first time doing this work. Once you have the engine at TDC, check it at the bell housing, cam gear, balance belts and the bottom of the bell housing. You can also do the check with the position of the number 1 cylinder with the spark plug. Plus, the rotor on the distributor should point to or line up with the number 1 cylinder itself.

Be aware that the balance belts being aligned with their marks while at TDC ensure that the rotation of the balance shafts properly counter and offset the naturally unbalanced 4 cylinder engine.

I would use the flywheel lock. When you try to install the flywheel lock, you might find that you need to tweak the crankshaft to get the holes for the bolts to line up to install the flywheel lock. This slight movement will take the bell housing mark off TDC. This really concerned me at first. However, you will find that the crank will turn one tooth or less without moving the belt. You are taking out the slack in the belt. So, you can realign the TDC mark on the bell housing by tweaking the crankshaft after you remove the flywheel lock. Again, the crank will move slightly but not the belt.