How do I find TDC...

[Kantdrivefast]

without taking the head or anything off? And what orientation should the cam and IP be in for TDC.

[molgrips]

On my 1.9 AAZ, this is what I do:

Jack up the left hand front wheel so it turns.  Take the top cambelt cover off.  You will see four large holes in the IP sprocket and an extra small one between two of the bigger ones.  This is the IP locking hole.  Put the car in 5th gear and turn the jacked up wheel until the extra small hole is in about the 4 o'clock position (this is close to TDC cylinder 1).  Now, find the little plastic cover with a tab attached on the top of the gearbox next to the engine, and remove it - it comes off really easily. Look in there and you will see the edge of the flywheel with its teeth.  Turn the jacked up wheel slowly back and forth whilst looking at the flywheel edge, you should be able to find the timing mark and line it up with the little pointer.  The mark you are looking for on the flywheel is a 0.

If you are doing this in the dark with a flashlight or headtorch, make sure that the light is not shining directly down on it (ie coming from the same direction you are looking) cos you won't see the mark.  I usually prop a flashlight somewhere in the engine so that it shines on it at an angle.

[molgrips]

Hmm, dodgy.  Checking that the IP pulley hole is about right will help.  Also if you are worried take the rocker cover off, and check to see that the cams on cylinder 1 are both sticking up in the air, about the ten-to-two position (or ten of two, isn't that how Americans say it? ).  In any case, both valves should be closed.