Author Topic: valve timing (Read 1726 times)

Dasherhead · « **on:** August 18, 2008, 02:10:14 pm »

Hi - I have a 79 Dasher Wagon and 1.6NA I'd like to install. The motor was given to me with a broken timing belt. I have the head off. I replaced bent valves and installed new valve stem seals. I have a Bentley and I've read and reread. I've purchased the correct tools - for timing they seem to point me to the flywheel - trouble is the flywheel isn't on the motor and nothing was marked. Can anyone help a dumb schoolteacher get started ? Appreciate any help I can get!

zukgod1 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2008, 02:20:51 pm »

Well you can pull out an injector, drop a small plastic straw in there then turn the crank slowly to get it to TDC.
you have to make sure it's going down through the hole in the pre cup so the straw rests on the top of the piston.
You can do this on either #1 or #4 piston.
Ive used the little Red stir straw's for coffee a couple times, that way if it bends over it wont hurt anything.
Also you can shine a light through the injector hole and look through the pre cup hole to see the piston then use the straw to fine tune it.

Then once your @ TDC set your timing.

gigaz2 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 18, 2008, 02:59:27 pm »

that method is also useful when you put the flywheel on so the timing mark is on the right place

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #3 on:** August 18, 2008, 05:50:49 pm »

you guys are geniuses! I did this on a 400 ci small block through an injector hole with a pencil! This is a smart thing to do just to check that the flywheel is set right just like gigaz2 said.

zukgod1 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 18, 2008, 06:07:34 pm »

That's the only way I was able to actually get TDC on my flywheel, it's an aftermarket lightened one with no TDC mark, well it didn't have one but it does now, used a straw and a center punch once on TDC and BAM!!

TDC mark is born.

gigaz2 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 18, 2008, 07:55:16 pm »

yeah I was thinking about g60 flywheels when posted that

Riverfurm · « **Reply #6 on:** August 18, 2008, 08:51:40 pm »

If you still have the head off just use a dial indicator on #1 piston. Then mark the crank sprocket.

jtanguay · « **Reply #7 on:** August 18, 2008, 09:18:38 pm »

Quote from: "Riverfurm"

If you still have the head off just use a dial indicator on #1 piston. Then mark the crank sprocket.

this is much much more precise as well :wink: