How do you know piston 1 is at top dead center?
Once the top dead center timing mark is lined up with the marker on the engine, the motor should now be at top dead center. To verify, shine the flashlight down into the spark plug hole. You should be able to see the top of the piston clearly near the top of the cylinder.
Should points be open or closed at TDC?
Theoretically, the points should be just in the process of going from closed to open at #1 TDC. However, it is of no consequence. The timing light is used to adjust that. if you watch the points while you rotate the distributor body, you will see that you can make the points open OR close just be rotating the housing.
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 is the timing mark on a crank pulley?
You can also shut off the engine in this way. On most crank pulleys, there is another mark. This is the mark you aim for, usually somewhere between 3-5 degrees before Top Dead Center. All you do is turn the distributor until that timing mark is flashing at the right spot every time.
Where is the dead center mark on a crankshaft?
Continue to turn the crankshaft until the zero or top dead center mark on the pulley matches up with the pointer on the 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.
How do you find the top dead center on a car?
Once the top dead center timing mark is lined up with the marker on the engine, the motor should now be at top dead center. To verify, shine the flashlight down into the spark plug hole. You should be able to see the top of the piston clearly near the top of the cylinder.