Re: Finding TDC with a dowel

["Brian Hagen" <brian.hagen@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thats what im thinking actually...since at TDC (using the 'finger test', and 
then manually turning the block til the timing mark is at TDC) on cylinder 
#1 on the correct stroke of the engine.. i can only get it to run if the 
distributor is turned completely so the vacuum pod is touching the block 
(and would like to be turned even further!).  At that point, if i was to 
reset the car to TDC (by turning the block by hand, lining it up with the 
timing mark) and remove the distributor cap (without rotating it)....It 
would show that im currently firing on Cylinder 4.  That tells me....the TDC 
mark on my timing mark (or crank) is off.  Either that or my finger is lying 
to me.  My best bet would do the straw/pencil/hanger/linguini test to 
further test that im really at TDC and not being lied to by the timing mark. 
Cars are women, they lie.  (appoligies to the women of the group, i kid i 
kid)

Or remove the valve cover and look.  Anyone got a spare cover gasket they 
can give me ;-)

Thanks everyone... ill get this soon enough.
Brian


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom Jennings" <tomj@xxxxxxx>

> > * Therefore, you can trust those marks.
>
> ... assuming, as another lister pointed out, that your timing
> chain hasn't jumped teeth and your engine is assembled right.