Slanted timing issues

inkjunkie said
Would not trust that device to find tdc. Balloon will start to inflate and continue as the piston travels up ward, Guessing maximum inflation means piston is at tdc, but how can you tell when it is fully inflated??? Sure it will get you close but.......

I agree, my pal brainstormed this idea for quick & dirty tdc finding when working alone. Though I've never used one (or a degree wheel either) it seems obvious that the precision possible makes a piston stop the better choice.

67Dart273 said
Easy. (But I prefer piston stops, not balloons) Yank the dist out and move the gear one tooth so the dist. housing can "come away" from whatever it's hitting. If it won't drop clear down, into the pump drive, no big deal. Just use a remote starter (or screwdriver across the starter relay) and bump the engine while gently holding down the distributor, so that it drops back in.

we were trying to move the gear one tooth by turning the rotor while holding the dist, but bumping the engine is more my style. Let the machine do the work! I think we both were suffering from brain farts, and a good nights rest will shine a new light on the situation. [So, what the hell am I doing at 3 am futzing around the internet??]

ATB - and good night

BC