How do you find TDC on a 302?

[hollowch]

I'm trying to find TDC on the #1 cylinder on my 302 so I can get my distributor all geared in.

 

[firehawk]

http://forums.corral.net/forums/5-0...find-top-dead-center-install-distributor.html

 

[Mill KNOB]

http://forums.corral.net/forums/5-0...find-top-dead-center-install-distributor.html

Good info on the Forum. But I seen one thing that I had question on. Is the first guy saying how to find TDC said to "put a timing light on it and then turn clockwise to adjust timing" I have always been told that Fords was counter clock and Chevy was Clockwise. Am I wrong or what?

 

[Explorer]

Ford V8 distributor shaft turns counterclockwise. I6 turns clockwise. Turning distributor body just advances or retards timing. Really has no bearing on setting #1 piston to TDC on compression stroke.

 

[RODRIG3911]

1- Take out #1 spark plug
2- insert a wooden dowel like a popsicle stick or something
3- Turn engine crank with wrench till the stick you have in the #1 spark plug hole is as far out as it can get.

That will either be TDC or 180 degrees off so try to start it and If it doesn't start right away do steps 1-3 to reverse it 180 and you'll be right on. good luck!

 

[jasonb]

Pull the #1 spark plug out. (right front) Plug the hole with your finger. Turn the engine over with a wrench or ratchet. When you feel the engine trying to push your finger out of the hole you know you are on the compression stroke. Look at your timing marks and continue to roll the engine over until you are at 0 degrees or TDC. The rotor should now be pointing at or very close to the #1 post on the distibutor cap. This should get the engine to at least start, then set the timing with a light.

 

[Mill KNOB]

Pull the #1 spark plug out. (right front) Plug the hole with your finger. Turn the engine over with a wrench or ratchet. When you feel the engine trying to push your finger out of the hole you know you are on the compression stroke. Look at your timing marks and continue to roll the engine over until you are at 0 degrees or TDC. The rotor should now be pointing at or very close to the #1 post on the distibutor cap. This should get the engine to at least start, then set the timing with a light.

You mean the left side (Passenger) looking straight at the Bronco.

You also correct on what to do to get it to TDC.

Good LUck

 

[Madgyver]

This is what I always do.

• Make sure engine has new oil and oil filter in it.
• Prime engine oil using an oil priming tool or a gutted distributor and a drill. To use an old dizzy just remove the inners and the cam gear.
• Make sure there is oil pressure.
• Remove #1 spark plug.
• Using a starter switch on the solenoid, jog engine over while priming the oil pump a couple of times.
• Now place your finger close to the #1 spark plug hole and jog engine over. You will feel air pushing out the hole on every other stroke.This is the compression stroke and where you what to start as your baseline.
• Find the compression stroke and look at the timing marks. Use a breakerbar and socket on the crank bolt to line the marks up about 8-10 degrees BTDC on the compression stroke.
• Your distributor cap should be all wired up with your plug wires. If not, set it up where you want the #1 plug to start. Fit cap on the dizzy and mark
  position of the #1 plug on the dist. bottom half.
• Now drop that dizzy in while trying to land the rotor pointing in the area of the #1 mark you made. You may need to use the oil pump priming tool or gutted dizzy to turn the oil pump shaft for the new dizzy to drop in where you want it.
• Now you got the dizzy in. Line up #1 mark and rotor. Double check crank
  timing marks, it should be at 8-10 degree BTDC on the compression stroke. Reinstall #1 spark plug and wire, Lock down dizzy.
• Add fuel, make sure trans is in park, parking brake on, timing light ready, fire exstinguisher close by and charged. Wire up everything like you should and start engine. This baseline position with crank and dizzy will get motor started, if not, then you have other problems
• This is what I always do...........
  
  Good Luck,
  madgyver

cut and pasted from another thread..

 

[sprdv1]

Nice breakdown Mad...

 

[jasonb]

You mean the left side (Passenger) looking straight at the Bronco.

You also correct on what to do to get it to TDC.

Good LUck

The right side is always the passenger side. If you call it right or left depending on which end of the truck you are standing on it will surely cause confusion sooner or later. Even if you are standing in front looking at your truck, the passenger side is still the right side.