How to find top dead center and set your distributor and?
This procedure is for the 4.3L 1996 and newer engines only. 1991 only has one timing mark on the damper. No need to remove the #1 plug on either engine, (The piston will push air out of the spark plug hole on both strokes when approaching TDC). When the TDC timing mark on the damper lines up with the index on the timing cover, #1 piston is at TDC.
When to set engine to top dead center ( TDC )?
Procedure NOTE When setting the engine to TDC on the compression stroke for cylinder #1, you must realize that the crankshaft rotates twice for every single rotation of the camshaft. So, if you simply set the crankshaft to TDC without looking at the position of the camshaft, you may actually be at TDC on the exhaust stroke for cylinder #1.
Where do you find the dead center mark on an engine?
For most engines, the zero or top dead center mark will be the first mark, or will be clearly marked in a different color or manner than the other marks on the pulley. Note: If you are unsure of which mark indicates your engine’s top dead center, refer to a service manual to ensure that the engine is turned to the correct position.
Where to find the top dead center on a compression stroke?
As a general reference point, or when installing a distributor, Top Dead Center (TDC) on the compression stroke is required. Usually it can be found by looking at timing marks; but on some engines these marks may be lost or hidden.
This procedure is for the 4.3L 1996 and newer engines only. 1991 only has one timing mark on the damper. No need to remove the #1 plug on either engine, (The piston will push air out of the spark plug hole on both strokes when approaching TDC). When the TDC timing mark on the damper lines up with the index on the timing cover, #1 piston is at TDC.
Where is the 6 pointer on a distributor?
With the cap off as it should be when sinking in the dist., the mark (6 pointer) is clearly evident when approaching the dist. on the passenger side (RH). Also, we need not be concerned of the exact rotative position of the distributor because of the simple fact that it does not rotate (while it is clamped, anyway).
Procedure NOTE When setting the engine to TDC on the compression stroke for cylinder #1, you must realize that the crankshaft rotates twice for every single rotation of the camshaft. So, if you simply set the crankshaft to TDC without looking at the position of the camshaft, you may actually be at TDC on the exhaust stroke for cylinder #1.
Where does the crankshaft go when setting to TDC?
So, if you simply set the crankshaft to TDC without looking at the position of the camshaft, you may actually be at TDC on the exhaust stroke for cylinder #1.
With the cap off as it should be when sinking in the dist., the mark (6 pointer) is clearly evident when approaching the dist. on the passenger side (RH). Also, we need not be concerned of the exact rotative position of the distributor because of the simple fact that it does not rotate (while it is clamped, anyway).
How to find the number one on a distributor cap?
It will be connected to the number one terminal. You can also find the number one terminal by turning the engine manually until the timing marks on the camshaft and crankshaft are lined up. Once this is done, the rotor inside the distributor will be pointing to the number one terminal.