TDC Confusion
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2001
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TDC Confusion
I'm confused about Top Dead Center. I just put my new engine in (1987 F150 4.9 fuel injected) and its almost ready to startup. My Chilton's says to align the crankshaft pulley notch up to the TDC marking on the timing chain cover. When I do that cylinder number one is not at TDC its actually at the bottom of a stroke. There is only one way to put the crankshaft pulley on so I know I didn't screw that up and the timing chain cover came off the old engine so I know the marks are good.
So my question is how am I supposed to get the crankshaft and distributor in synch and firing correctly. Should I just get cylinder number one at the top of a stroke and set the rotor close to the number one plug? These engines don't really get manually timed do they, doesn't the electronic controls set the timing as long as its close?
Thanks for any advice, the is the last thing I need to do before trying to start it up.
So my question is how am I supposed to get the crankshaft and distributor in synch and firing correctly. Should I just get cylinder number one at the top of a stroke and set the rotor close to the number one plug? These engines don't really get manually timed do they, doesn't the electronic controls set the timing as long as its close?
Thanks for any advice, the is the last thing I need to do before trying to start it up.
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 571
Likes: 1
TDC Confusion
[QUOTE]
So my question is how am I supposed to get the crankshaft and distributor in synch and firing correctly. Should I just get cylinder number one at the top of a stroke and set the rotor close to the number one plug? These engines don't really get manually timed do they, doesn't the electronic controls set the timing as long as its close?
QUOTE]
Just put the piston at TDC ON THE COMPRESSION STROKE!! and then set you rotor to the # 1 plug wire. make sure it is on the compression stroke and not the exhaust.(valves should both be closed, Put thumb over spark plug hole as you turn the engine, you should be able to feel pressure build up) might want to look at that pully though cause it will cause problems when you try to set the timing with a light
So my question is how am I supposed to get the crankshaft and distributor in synch and firing correctly. Should I just get cylinder number one at the top of a stroke and set the rotor close to the number one plug? These engines don't really get manually timed do they, doesn't the electronic controls set the timing as long as its close?
QUOTE]
Just put the piston at TDC ON THE COMPRESSION STROKE!! and then set you rotor to the # 1 plug wire. make sure it is on the compression stroke and not the exhaust.(valves should both be closed, Put thumb over spark plug hole as you turn the engine, you should be able to feel pressure build up) might want to look at that pully though cause it will cause problems when you try to set the timing with a light
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 4
TDC Confusion
If the No 1 piston is down then you are off one revolution on the crank , just go around one more time & the No 1 piston should be at TDC , Align the distributor to the No 1 postion on the cap & it should start . The ignition timing is 10 Deg BTDC , remove the SPOUT Connector at the distributor & use the timing light to set it to 10 Deg . Reinstall the SPOUT Connector after you are done .
